Allow me to offer catmint (also known as Nepeta) to you if you’re seeking for a perennial that has long-lasting blooms, can withstand heat, is pest and disease resistant, and is simple to grow. I continue to include this top performer on my list of the best drought-tolerant and deer-resistant plants despite years of testing “plants are a must. It occupies a central place in my beautiful landscape and adds interest throughout the year. It has lovely gray-green foliage that appears in April in orderly, tidy heaps. The shrub practically erupts by May with a profusion of delicate lavender-blue blooms. The plant continues to display an abundance of color well into late summer or early fall after the initial flush of flowers. Even after the blossoms have faded, the floral show is enhanced by colorful calyces that match the blossoms’ color. If the leaves is left standing through the winter, it turns a pleasant soft silvery gray tint.
This herbaceous perennial belongs to the Lamiaceae family of plants, which also contains gigantic hyssop, bee balm, rosemary, and lavender. These plants have opposite leaves, two-lipped blooms, square stems, and aromatic foliage in addition to other characteristics in common. Many individuals mistake catmint for catnip (Nepeta cataria). Catnip and catmint are closely related, although catnip has a stronger scent and less decorative value than catmint.
Catmint like team games. Catmint is a fantastic alternative if you adore the traditional pairing of lavender and roses but find that lavender is too temperamental to grow in this location. Catmint can be used to coat the bare skin similarly to lavender “rose bushes’ branches. A lovely contrast to the vibrant tones of the roses is provided by the plant’s cool-toned foliage and blossoms.
Catmint complements the majority of other hues nicely, but it looks especially lovely when combined with hues from the red to blue color range. Irises look wonderful when they are grown in my own garden. It complements the medium lavender-blue iris “Crater Lake” and the blue-violet tones of the iris “Swingtown” in particular. The vertical outlines and deeper lavender hues of the Allium cultivars “Gladiator,” “Giganteum,” or “Purple Sensation” contrast pleasantly with the mounded shape. Catmint blends wonderfully with the purple foliage of Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’ or the flowing burgundy foliage of Japanese Maple ‘Garnet’ as spring transitions into summer. Another excellent ally for catmint is ‘Purple Ruffles’ basil, which is also tasty! Catmint goes well with yellow-flowering plants like Hemerocallis “Happy Returns,” Achillea “Coronation Gold,” or Coreopsis “Early Sunrise.”
The hybrid Nepeta x faassenii produces the most well-liked catmint cultivars that are farmed for commercial purposes in this nation. The flowers have the name of Dutch nurseryman J. H. Faassen, whose nursery this hybrid initially emerged. N. x Faassenii flowers are sterile, thus deadheading is not necessary to stop them from self-seeding.
While the N. X faassenii family’s members are sterile, some closely related species, including the ones listed below, are fertile and may require deadheading to stop reseeding:
- Russian cat mint (N. sibirica) Plant that is erect and tall (two to three feet), with broad green leaves and deep blue blooms.
- Asian catmint (N. subsessilis)
- This catmint kind loves damp soil over the other species. Although it can tolerate direct sunlight, it prefers some shade.
- Orange catmint (N. govaniana)
- This rare species, which is indigenous to the Himalayas, has yellow blooms that emerge later in the summer.
- Nepeta with veins (N. nervosa)
- This plant is indigenous to India, grows one to two feet tall, and has leaves that are three to four inches long with strong veins.
- Turkish catmint (N. parnassica)
- This catmint, which grows to an astounding four to six feet tall and wide, is more frequently found in European gardens than in those in this country.
The Chicago Botanic Garden compared 36 catmints between 1999 and 2006 with the aim of identifying exceptional individuals in terms of their attractive features, disease and pest resistance, cultural adaptation, and winter hardiness (the botanical garden is located in zone 5b). Based on their heavy flower output over a lengthy bloom period, the following four best performers of the 22 highly rated catmints obtained five-star exceptional ratings:
- ‘Joanna Reed’Lavender-blue flowers on 24-inch tall by 48-inch wide plants. It bears the name of the deceased Pennsylvania gardener who found it.
Is catmint perennially green?
Basic catmint maintenance is simple. Catmint plants need constant watering until they get established. Mulch will aid in moisture retention and control weed growth. Pinch back plants after they reach a height of a few inches (8 cm) to encourage bushier growth.
Throughout the summer and fall, catmint blooms. Deadheading faded blossoms encourages new blossoming. It may also assist in avoiding reseeding. However, Nepeta x faassenii, also known as Faassen’s catmint, does not require deadheading because it is sterile. In the fall or after harvest, shear the plants back to half their original size.
Nepeta Are Evergreen?
Are you interested in learning more about Nepeta racemosa “Walker’s Low”? Catmint is another name for Nepeta racemosa, often known as “Walker’s Low.” The maximum height of this Lamiaceae is roughly 60 centimeters. Walker’s Low Nepeta racemosa is not an evergreen plant. Would you like more details or advice about Nepeta racemosa “Walker’s Low”? Please keep in mind that depending on the season, we might not currently have this Catmint in stock when visiting our garden center.
Catmint is either perennial or annual.
Catmint is incredibly adaptable and simple to grow, making it one of the perennial powerhouses of the plant kingdom. Early summer is when deep purple blossoms burst into color and put on a long-lasting magnificent display.
Does catmint flourish in the winter?
Catnip has a good level of cold tolerance and thrives in zones 3 through 9. However, growing catnip outside can be problematic in particularly cold winters or in colder areas. It might be important to offer catnip plants some protection and additional care throughout the winter if you want them to return healthy and productively each spring. This is crucial if you reside in the cooler, northern regions of its growing region.
Should I reduce catmint throughout the winter?
In many places, catmint dies back with the frost, and the dead growth needs to be removed in order to make room for the spring’s new, fresh foliage. Depending on the climate where you are, there are different times to do this. It is preferable to wait until the spring thaw to prune catmint in regions with long, hard winters since the dead growth can act as insulation from the cold.
When a plant has gone dormant or has died back due to the cold in a milder region, it is recommended to cut the entire plant back in the fall. Because division will occur with the winter pruning, keep an eye out during the growth season for indications that the plant needs to be divided, such as less blooming.
Use precise pruning shears to cut the entire plant back to the ground, then get rid of the stems. Using a sharp spade, divide the root ball into numerous pieces, each with an equal number of roots and stems, if the plant has to be divided. Place the divisions in a bed with wet, quick-draining soil that is sunny or lightly shaded. Larger catmint kinds, like Six Hills Giant (Nepeta x “Six Hills Giant”), should be planted 3 feet apart, while more common varieties should be planted 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart.
Should catmint be trimmed back in the fall?
Catmint and I have a love-hate relationship. If you have a LOT of space for it to take over, it’s a terrific plant for providing cold tones to a space. Fortunately, catmint can be severely trimmed at any time of the year.
You can trim these back in the fall to just a few inches above the ground, but your garden will have a hole in it until they grow back flush in the spring.
If catmint is the cornerstone of your perennial border, regular summers pruning should be combined with more restrained trims of around half the plant’s height during the fall.
What distinguishes catnip and catmint from one another?
Nepeta cataria, a plant native to Europe and a close relative of the mints, produces catnip (spearmint, peppermint, pennyroyal, etc). The plant or dried herb attracts a lot of cats, and the smell might cause odd behavior patterns. Licking, chewing, head shaking, chin and cheek stroking, rolling, and salivation are a few of these actions. The herb only has an effect on roughly two-thirds of domestic cats. Other cat species, such as lions, leopards, and jaguars, are also impacted. A common folk treatment for fevers, colds, cramps, and headaches is catnip.
Catnip offers therapeutic benefits for both humans and cats, in addition to having insecticidal characteristics. Nepetalactone is the substance in catnip that is active (a component of essential oil extracted from catnip). Nepatalactone is an insect repellent that was developed by Iowa State University researchers in the early 2000s for use against cockroaches, mosquitoes, mites, ticks, spiders, termites, and other pests. Since then, it hasn’t been included in insect repellents that are sold commercially.
Additionally promising for crop protection is catnip oil. In a study, collard greens intercropped with catnip (placed in alternate rows) decreased the prevalence of flea beetles, an insect that is extremely harmful to collards. It has also been demonstrated that catnip extracts can repel harmful insects and the adult and larval stages of the Colorado potato beetle. Caterpillars, moths, and butterflies cannot be harmed by catnip extracts.
Catnip is comparatively simple to cultivate, accepts a wide range of soil types, and if not controlled, has the potential to spread beyond your garden. There are numerous seed firms that sell seed. Since the seed is so tiny, it can be directly sown on garden soil that has been thoroughly prepared and covered with 1/8″ of dirt. As an alternative, it can be planted in a flat after it has five sets of leaves. If you have cats, you might need to keep them away from it until it is established and mature. Once planted, each plant should endure for a number of years. Cutting the root mass in half and replanting allows you to divide established plants. Grow the plants where they have enough room because they can grow rather huge (3 feet tall).
Prior to blossoming, trim stems to gather catnip (early to mid summer). Leaves should be taken off of stems. In a well-ventilated place away from direct sunshine, spread the leaves out on a screen or tray. To provide aeration, turn the leaves once per day. It ought to be dry enough to crumble into flakes after two to three weeks. Put dried flakes in a container with a tight lid or a plastic bag that can be sealed. A few catnip plants will give you a year-round supply if you adore cats.
While similar to catnip in appearance, catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) does not energize cats. It is a mounded shrub with lovely gray-green foliage that grows slowly. Early summer and again throughout the monsoon season are when its abundant blue flowers bloom. Once planted, it is tolerant to both heat and drought. It can self-seed and grow (almost to the point of becoming weedy). These hardy perennials can withstand USDA zone 4 conditions and do well in mountain gardens. The majority of herbivores, including deer, are not drawn to catmint. The majority of gardeners think it makes a fine perennial border plant.
Bees and other beneficial insects are attracted to catnip and catmint. Catnip typically only blooms once per season, but when it does, bees and other nectar-feeding insects are drawn to it. I saw solitary bees feasting on nectar in the early summer, honeybees utilizing it in the middle to late summer, and bee flies and hawk moths using it in the late summer due to catmint’s prolonged bloom time. I cultivate both catmint and catnip. Cats use the catnip that has been gathered. All summer long, the catmint offers beneficial insects both beauty and sustenance. Photos and links to more information are provided below.
Which cat mint is the best?
Select Blue Catmint, also known as Nepeta ‘Select Blue,’ is a wonderful xeric perennial with stunning lavender-blue blooms and attractive gray-green leaves. The first flush of flowers on this perennial bloomer appears in late spring, followed by another later in the summer. This perennial has a long lifespan and is simple to grow, making it a great choice for novices.
What vegetation thrives in catmint?
Consider growing verbena, agastache, lavender, and tufted hairgrass alongside catmint as companion plants.
The blue catmint blossoms go perfectly with other perennials with the same growing conditions, like:
- Sage of Europe/Southernwood
- Salvia.
- The beard of Jupiter
- Yarrow.
- Pig’s Ear.
- Winecups and Poppy Mallow.
From Seed
Four to eight weeks prior to the last frost date, seeds can be started inside. Seeds should be barely covered in potting mix when placed in three- or four-inch pots.
Maintain moisture for two to three weeks until seedlings appear, and then place the pots in bright light until they have at least two sets of genuine leaves.
Additionally, you can directly plant seeds outside before the first fall frost or in the spring following the last frost.
By chilling stratifying seeds in the freezer for a whole night and then soaking them in water for 12 to 24 hours before planting, you can increase germination.
Garden soil and an inch of organic matter should be prepared for a garden bed or container. Since light promotes germination in these plants, scatter the seeds on top, just covering them.
For two to three weeks, until sprouts grow, lightly water the plant and keep moist. Seedlings should be spaced around 18 inches apart.
Not all nepeta species can be started from seed, which should be noted. Some plants, like Faassen’s catmint, can only be multiplied through division or from cuttings since they are sterile. Fortunately, doing this is simple.
By Division
Although it’s ideal to avoid dividing plants in the heat of the summer, if you have established plants available, divisions are likely the simplest and fastest technique of propagating new plants. These can be taken at any time during the growth season.
Locate a portion of an established plant with a strong, mature root system, cut it off from the rest of the plant using a garden spade, and carefully dig it up.
The entire plant can alternatively be dug up, divided into pieces, and then each piece is planted separately in the garden or in a container.
What height does catmint reach?
This lovely dwarf cultivar, which comes brimming with royal blue flowers from late spring to early fall, is the ideal height for edging flower beds and walks or for use as a long-blooming groundcover. the Missouri Botanical Garden chose it as a Plant of Merit because of its exceptional quality and dependability.
Height/Spread:
From late April until the first frost, a stunning display of periwinkle blue flowers encased in dark purple calyces is produced. The second season after planting, will almost double in breadth (to over 2 feet across), swiftly filling in the gaps in your garden.
This cultivar is one of the largest and unquestionably one of the showiest, reaching heights of up to 3 feet and a width of 4 feet. In the middle or back of sunny garden beds, profusions of fragrant two-lipped lavender-blue flowers rise above the heavy gray-green foliage beginning in late spring.
This variety, which offers a contrast to the usual blue and lavender hues, is covered in softly perfumed snow white blossoms from late spring to early fall. forms a tidy, low-growing mound that is ideal for edging a pathway or the front of a border. It also appears stunning when combined with its purple-hued companions.
In typical, well-drained soils with full sun to part shade, this genuine catnip is easily grown. Although catnip can withstand severe droughts, it does like some afternoon shade in hotter southern regions. From late spring through summer, clusters of white blooms with purple spots appear at the ends of stems. Housecats adore its leaves, which have been used for many years as a therapeutic herb. Aphids and squash bugs are just two of the many garden pests that catnip deters. See more details on where this species is thought to be invasive to see how it can become out of control in some locations.