Dividing Nepeta

[Laurasanford111]

Hi all

I got Nepeta from plugs in February, they are now big plants filling my border, can I divide them this autumn or do I need to wait until they are 2-3 year old ( that's what I read online) or am I best off taking cuttings instead this autumn or next spring? Thanks!

Sorry I should have said it's six hills giant' catmint

Mine have been in for 4 years and i havent divided yet. I may do next year.

So I would take your cuttings anyway- always good to have back up. Then when you’re ready (in Sept when we’re over any dry spell) cut the plants right back. You don’t want a plant with reduced roots supporting lots of foliage. You can dig them up then gently divide making sure each part has a reasonable root system. I did mine just by hand gently - but they are robust plants and cuttings are easy to grow too. You can trim foliage during the season of course so the plant does not get too bushy/messy looking- they really are a very forgiving plant!

@feelinglikepeaches thank you so much! yes going to take cuttings and keep them in the greenhouse hope they will be ok over winter :/
Yeah that's why I want plenty through the garden haha because they seem to be quite resilient to things, I've even stood on them by accident whilst trying to get in the borders etc and they bounced back fine 😭