Nepeta 'Catwalk Queen' - Premium Quart

Nepeta 'Catwalk Queen' | PPAF CPBRAF | Catmint

Proven Winners® | 2021 Perennial Plant of the Year | Zones 3-9

Why Catwalk Queen Is Trending in 2026 Gardens

• 2021 Perennial Plant of the Year—the industry’s highest honor, awarded for superior performance across every growing condition
• Massive bloom revolution—lavender-blue flower spikes more than twice the size of typical catmints for dramatic, show-stopping impact
• Extended season performer—blooms from early summer through fall, 4-5 months of continuous color when most perennials are done
• Pollinator crisis solution—irresistible to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the entire bloom season
• Deer- and rabbit-resistant—aromatic minty foliage naturally deters browsing wildlife without sprays or fencing
• Drought-tolerant landscaping trend—thrives in full sun and dry conditions once established, perfect for low-water gardens
• Compact powerhouse—tidy 10-12" habit fits borders, edging, containers, and small spaces without staking or flopping

What This Plant Does For You

• Delivers 4-5 months of massive lavender-blue blooms that transform borders, pathways, and containers into stunning showcases
• Creates a living pollinator sanctuary that buzzes with butterfly, bee, and hummingbird activity from early summer through fall
• Eliminates the frustration of short-blooming perennials—Catwalk Queen keeps going when everything else has faded
• Protects your garden investment with natural deer and rabbit resistance—no sprays, no fencing, no frustration
• Returns reliably each spring in zones 3-9, building into a larger, more floriferous clump year after year
• Fills the garden with a subtle minty fragrance that adds sensory dimension beyond just visual beauty

Plant Highlights

• Botanical Name: Nepeta 'Catwalk Queen' PPAF CPBRAF
• Brand: Proven Winners®
• Award: 2021 Perennial Plant of the Year
• Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (cold hardy to -40°F, heat tolerant through zone 9)
• Mature Height: 10-12"
• Mature Width: 18-20"
• Growth Rate: Fast—fills in quickly
• Bloom Color: Dark lavender-blue to purple flower spikes
• Bloom Season: Early summer through fall (4-5 months continuous)
• Fragrance: Subtle minty scent—foliage and flowers
• Sun Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours) for best flowering
• Water Needs: Average during establishment; drought tolerant once established
• Deer Resistant: Yes
• Pollinator Friendly: Yes—butterflies, bees, hummingbirds
• Pet Safe: Yes

Premium Features & Solutions

Premium 1 Gallon—Landscape Ready: Our fully finished, field-grown specimen arrives with a mature root system and established crown. Establishes in 3-4 weeks, blooms the first season, and delivers a finished, professional look from day one.

Premium Quart — Budget-Friendly Starter: The smart entry point for gardeners who want the same award-winning Proven Winners® genetics at a lower price point. Perfect for mass plantings. Establishes in 5-6 weeks and delivers the same long-term performance as the 1-gallon.

Smart Growing Guide

For Beginner Gardeners:

1. Choose a full-sun spot with well-draining soil (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily)
2. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide; backfill with native soil
3. Space plants 18-20 inches apart; firm soil and water thoroughly after planting
4. Water regularly for 3-6 weeks during establishment, then allow soil to dry between waterings
5. Apply a light 1-2" layer of mulch, keeping it away from the crown
6. Shear spent blooms by half in midsummer to promote vigorous reblooming
7. Cut back to ground level in late fall or early spring; apply SR-18-5-10 fertilizer in spring

For Advanced Gardeners:

• Soil drainage is the critical cultural requirement—amend heavy clay with coarse grit or use raised bed culture
• Shear spent flower spikes by one-half in midsummer to stimulate secondary bloom initiation within 3-4 weeks
• Divide every 2-3 years in early spring to maintain clump vigor
• Avoid over-fertilizing—excess nitrogen promotes foliage over flowers

Pro Tips for Maximum Impact

• Plant in groups of 3, 5, or 7 for immediate, finished-landscape results
• Use the premium quart for mass plantings of 5+ plants where cost per unit matters
• Pair with roses, lavender, salvia, or coneflowers for stunning combinations
• Plant along walkways or seating areas where brushing the foliage releases its minty scent
• Use the Fill My Box discount to stock a full border and maximize savings

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between the quart and 1-gallon sizes?
A: The Premium Quart is our budget-friendly starter—same award-winning genetics, blooms the first season, and establishes in 5-6 weeks. The Premium 1 Gallon is landscape-ready with a larger root system, faster establishment (3-4 weeks), and immediate visual impact.

Q: Will it bloom the first year?
A: Yes—both sizes bloom the first season. The 1-gallon typically blooms sooner after planting.

Q: How do I get it to rebloom?
A: Shear spent flower spikes by half in midsummer. This stimulates vigorous new growth and a robust second flush within 3-4 weeks.

Q: Will deer and rabbits eat it?
A: No. The aromatic minty foliage is strongly disliked by deer and rabbits—one of the most reliably deer-resistant perennials available.

Q: Is it safe for cats?
A: Yes—completely non-toxic. Cats are attracted to the aromatic foliage, which is harmless to both cat and plant.

Q: How cold-hardy is it?
A: Hardy to zone 3 (-40°F)—returns reliably each spring across the entire continental United States and most of Canada.

Ordering & Shipping Information

Processing Time: Orders are typically processed within 1-3 business days. Orders placed after 4:00 PM Wednesday through Sunday ship the following Monday.

Shipping Protection: We use premium shipping processes to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive. We monitor weather conditions and may temporarily hold shipments during temperature extremes (below 34°F or above 95°F) to protect plant viability.

Seasonal Expectations: Plant size and appearance vary by season. Blooms are often removed before shipping, as they don’t travel well. All plants are hand-selected for vigorous root systems and future performance potential.

Care Recommendation: Fertilize in early spring with our SR-18-5-10 slow-release fertilizer. Shear by half in midsummer after the primary bloom flush for vigorous reblooming.