Our June Plant of the Month for 2026 is Whispurr Pink catmint. Catmints (Nepeta species) hail from Europe and Asia, mainly along the Mediterranean Regions. But they have been widely cultivated and naturalized into North American landscapes. They seem to do very well in the Central Great Plains region. Most cultivars tend to be lavender-blue in color with a few reports of white (I came across a white-sport in 2017, but failed to collect it). Pink is a different color entirely, but a wonderful addition to the garden.
We got our first look at Whispurr Pink in a trial pack in 2022, and I loved it so much I ordered it when it first became available. Besides clusters of soft, light pink flowers, the plant has a lot going for it. Unlike traditional catmints, which are flatter in nature, Whispurr Pink grows and flower upright, 30 inches tall and wide. The flowers are held aloft above the mound of gray-green leaves.
Pests?
No, Whispurr Pink thus far has no known pest problems. Being a member of the Mint Family, it has a strong odor which deters deer, rabbits, and other herbivores. If placed in full sun, it will have no problems with powdery mildew or other diseases. The only thing that could affect it is root rots if placed where the soil stayed moist for too long.
Pollinators
Just like the other cultivars of catmint, there are a fair number of pollinators which visit the flowers. Loaded with nectar, the pink flowers attract hummingbirds, long-tongued bees, bumblebees, honeybees, bee flies, hover flies, wasps, butterflies, and moths at night.
Placement in the Garden
Where can it go?
Whispurr Pink catmint can be planted in almost any well-drained soil location in full sun. While it is adaptable to heavy-clay soils, make sure to put it on a slope in those conditions, so the water drains away. Otherwise, it can be planted in mass or singly, in full sun. Cottage gardens, meadows, or pollinator plots are great places for it to go. Or put it in a foundation planting matched up with other catmints.
Companion Plants
There are a lot of great companions for our June Plant of the Month. It can naturalize with natives, or be mixed into a cottage garden. Try planting it alongside any of these perennials:
- Butterfly milkweed
- Ornamental onions
- Purple coneflower
- Spike blazingstar
- Little bluestem
- Switchgrass 'Shenandoah'
- Daylilies
- Purple prairie clover
- Stachys 'Hummelo'
- Aster 'Lady in Black'
- Aster 'Raydon's Favorite'
- Prairie coreopsis
- Yucca
- Rose 'Pink Drift'
Conclusion
Whispurr Pink catmint is a standout plant in the garden, mixing well into a variety of full sun locations, and pairing well with many other plants. It is disease free and deer and rabbit resistant. The color alone makes it special among other perennials and especially catmints. Add it to your perennial list today.
Happy planting!
