When was the last time it was repotted with fresh media? Potting soil does wear out and become compacted and with most popular bagged potting soil mixes, this happen sooner rather than later. Unless it is replaced routinely - in most cases annually - the old soil can impede good drainage and root development and the plant will struggle. Highly textural and more durable custom mixes can last longer but more than 3 years between repots is pushing the envelop.

Do you fertilize the container? Since potting mix contains no nutrients or if enhanced, only limited nutrients, routine fertilization is also required.

All my catnip plants have bleached out leaves. It's normal for late summer/fall. Why do some people here always expect their plants to be unrealistically perfect all the time?

a pic is usually suggested ... but i agree with what they said ...

on some level.. you are in denial that it is sept .. .and for most of us.. a hard growing season ... and some things just shut down early some years ...

if you had included big city location ... we might have a better idea of what your weather has been like ...

ken

Thank you for all of the replies. I couldn't figure out how to attach a photo initially but I was able to on this post. I live in Southern California where we basically have no seasons! I tend to think gardengal nailed it. I think it needs to be transplanted. It's been this way all year, not just recently. I do fertilize it but I think repotting is a great suggestion. I don't expect my plants to be gorgeous all year round although they usually are but since it's been this way all year, had stunted growth and no sign of fall in sight I knew something could probably be done to fix it. I've grown catnip for many years and have never had this problem. This particular plant is on its 2nd year so maybe it's just time to buy a new one but I will always try to save it first! If seeing the picture helps, please let me know if you think it might be something else. Thanks to all!

I've grown them in pots, and in the ground and they do much better in the ground. Sorry I was a little off track earlier. I get catnip volunteers, and I usually let them grow. I wonder if they will volunteer in California. It may need a bigger pot. They tend to decline when they are root bound. All my Nepeta finished flowering, and their leaves started yellowing right after.

Thank you Jay 6a - I transplanted it and it was very root bound. I transplanted at the end of last year and didn't think it needed it again so soon but apparently that's why the growth is stunted. I hope it helps the bleached out leaves as well! Thanks for the follow up!