Catmint and lavender both have flower spikes that are a light purple color, however each plant has many variations that range in blossom color from white to dark purple. Despite minor variations across species, the majority of lavender species have slender, dark green to gray-green leaves. The gray-green, heart-shaped leaves of catmint have a scalloped edge. Late spring until early summer is when catmint flowers bloom. The blooming period for lavender lasts from early until midsummer.
Catnip is it a lavender?
These two plants can be mistaken for one another by using different names, although they are actually distinct species. Catnip is Nepeta cataria, while catmint is Nepeta mussinii, both of which are members of the mint family. The following are some further variations and parallels between the two plants:
While catmint is frequently used as a lovely, flowering perennial in beds, catnip has a weedier aspect.
Catnip blooms less frequently than catmint. Typically, catnip blooms are white. Flowers on catmint are lavender.
Can you grow catmint and lavender together?
There are numerous different plant combinations that are effective with catmint. Consider growing verbena, agastache, lavender, and tufted hairgrass alongside catmint as companion plants.
Plant catmint in a dramatic border with irises and Siberian spurge, or add a splash of color with yarrow to the previously stated rose and catmint combination. For long-lasting blossoms and minimal upkeep, combine yarrow, catmint, agastache, and foxtail lilies.
With catmint, allium, phlox, and white flower lace, spring irises go perfectly. Combine catmint with perennial grasses for a distinct texture. Sneezeweed, catmint, and dahlias all produce magnificent flowers that endure far into the early fall.
Catmint enhances the beauty of coneflower, daylily, and black-eyed susan.
With catmint, the planting combinations are virtually endless. Just keep in mind to group similar plants together. Those that are tolerant of your region and appreciate comparable conditions to catmint, including full sun, average garden soil, and little to no water.
Which is simpler to grow, lavender or catmint?
You already know how alluring those purple, mounded rows of lavender may be if you’ve been to the south of France in person or have only seen images. But the images only capture a portion of the narrative; the aroma of lavender in the air on a steamy July day is the very definition of summer.
My driveway has an unusual form, turning sharply to the right as you approach the top and enter the garage. I’ve never been able to figure out how to go from the asphalt driveway to the gardens that welcome me at the top of the turn. It presents a unique combination of difficulties since on one side is the location of the dumping ground for snow plows, which is situated above a perennial garden, and on the other is a rural equivalent of a hell strip—the space between the asphalt and a rock retaining wall.
I grew a lavender hedge on both sideshops about 8 years ago to enhance the beauty and fragrance of the plant in my yard. Up until two years later, when the lavender on the snow mound side entirely died over one winter, it appeared to be working somewhat. 20 plants died all at once for me. Although I’ve never really (for sure) figured out what caused it, I have a guess that it was a prolonged winter snow melt that left the plants’ feet wet for longer than they could stand.
But since I just had a one-sided driveway now (because there was no issue with the side with the snow mound), I required a strategy to restore the beauty of the two-sided purple haze. I decided to switch the lavender with catmint and leave the (still happy) lavender on the hell strip side out of fear of a similar incident, and the plan is working!
Why this strategy was successful is revealed through in-depth plant research:
- Wet soil does not appeal to lavender.
- Lavender is likewise a perennial plant that doesn’t wither (making it an easy target for the snowplow who piles it on)
- Fertile soil doesn’t appeal to lavender (so the downhill side of the driveway, which has an edge that tends to be a trap for leaves and rotting debris, is not a great place)
- Wetter soils are more better tolerated by catmint.
- Additionally, it doesn’t mind a little fertilizing now and then.
- And in dry winters, it dies back, leaving nothing for the wind to whip and nothing for the snow plow to grab.
But there are a few additional factors to take into account. About nine years ago, I set up this layout, and both Catmint and Lavender have come a long way since then. Catmint used to struggle to keep its mounded shape, frequently opening out in the middle and becoming a less desirable substitute for lavender. However, more recent cultivars, such Nepeta “Cat’s Meow,” don’t have this issue. Additionally, many lavender types that were available on the market nine years ago had a propensity to develop woody and gnarly growths if not frequently pruned, but better cultivars like Lavandula ‘Sweet Romance’ and others are less likely to have this problem.
Which should you choose if you want the ideal purple haze: catmint or lavender? In my situation, both are true.
Are catmint’s blossoms purple?
If you want to add lovely, long-blooming, fragrant, and simple-to-grow flowers that will be a great addition to rock gardens and cottage gardens, learn about the several types of catmint flowers.
Look no farther than Nepeta, or more often known as Catmint, if you want to cultivate a perennial in your garden or yard that is incredibly attractive, long blooming, tolerant towards all types of environmental dangers, and is also simple to grow.
Nepeta mussinii, a perennial aromatic plant, is most known for its clusters of lavender blue flowers, which frequently have hints of the stunning violet color. These flowers are surrounded by thick, gray-green foliage with velvety leaves that have a somewhat lacy-looking appearance.
This plant variety, Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint family and is also frequently referred to by one of its other common names, catnip. Although catnip and catmint are essentially the same plant and share a wide range of traits and qualities, many people continue to question whether there is a distinction between the two. The sole difference so far is that catnip has a much lower decorative value than catmint in any garden.
The average mature size of a catmint plant is 24 inches in height and 2 feet in width. The majority of its types bloom best in early summer or late spring, and the plant does best in either full sun or partial shade.
Because of their expansive growth patterns, stunning flower spikes, and flush of blossoms, catmint plants make wonderful additions to both rock gardens and cottage gardens.
Does catnip have a lavender scent?
(MNN) — Every person is vulnerable. Salted caramel ice cream is what I prefer. It’s a pair of pricey shoes for my dog Lulu. Most cats prefer catnip.
Here are five aspects about this enigmatic product that drives cats crazy that every cat lover should be aware of.
1. The herb catnip is a real plant.
Nepeta cataria L., sometimes known as catnip, is a plant that grows all throughout the country and belongs to the mint family. The plant has jagged, heart-shaped leaves with a mild mint scent and tiny lavender flowers.
What other plant resembles lavender?
Certain species of salvia plants (Salvia officinalis, which typically grows in zones 4 to 10) can also resemble lavender in addition to the purple giant hyssop. In particular, meadow sage (Salvia nemorosa, growing in zones 4 to 8) and Russian sage can both be mistaken for lavender (Perovskia atriplicifolia, which grows in zones 5 to 9).
Does catmint reappear each year?
- ‘Walker’s Low’ plants are 30 inches tall and 36 inches wide, with lavender-blue flowers. As a side note, the name is not short because it derives from an Irish garden. It is actually almost as tall as the “Six Hills Giant.” Walker’s Low was chosen by the Perennial Plant Association as their Perennial of the Year for 2007.
Don’t restrict yourself to just these four options if you feel driven to hunt for catmint in your neighborhood garden centers. Numerous other top-notch cultivars are also readily available, including “Dropmore,” “Blue Wonder,” and “Junior Walker,” a scaled-down variety of “Walker’s Low” that stands 16 inches tall.
- Catmint tends to grow wider than tall, so give it lots of room.
- Even while catmint likes direct sunlight, it can also tolerate moderate afternoon shadow.
- Water new plants or transplants until they can survive on their own. Following that, established plants can withstand heat and drought.
- Never fertilize it again. Catmint prefers well-drained, somewhat fertile soil. In fact, a plant may flip over or split in half if the soil is excessively rich. In that case, trim the plant back to make it look neat. Compost added in the spring or fall will provide the plant the nutrients it needs to thrive.
- After the first blooming flush of the plants has finished, shear them back by a third or more. The plants will be more orderly, their size will be limited, and this will encourage a second rush of blossoms later in the summer. The plant will still bloom often and maintain its lovely appearance during the stifling summer months even without being sheared.
- Over the winter, keep any dead foliage in place to help protect the crown. Wait till the beginning of spring to trim it.
- Divide catmint every three to four years, preferably in the spring or early fall, to maintain it healthy. During the first growing season, until the plants take root, keep it well-watered.
- Catmint varieties can grow to be quite huge. Pinch the plant back in the spring after it has grown a few inches tall to encourage a bushier growth habit if you wish to limit the plant’s total size.
- Cut a vertical chunk off of an established clump of catmint in the spring to reproduce it. Make sure the division has a strong root system and a number of new shoots. Till the plant takes root, keep it well-watered.
- Cuttings can also be used to spread catmint. Before flower buds grow in the spring, clip healthy shoots at a length of three inches. The cuttings should be placed in a moist medium, such as sand or a peat-perlite mixture. Within two to three weeks, they should start to root.
- Catmint is typically unaffected by either pests or illnesses. The only issue that can occasionally arise is leaf spot. There is no consensus that the severity of this fungus illness justifies control measures.
- Experience has taught me that some cats are drawn to catmint. If you’re worried about this, cover newly planted or transplanted catmint with chicken wire to stop your cat from consuming it or rolling about in it.
- This plant attracts butterflies and bees like crazy. Additionally, hummingbirds adore it.
- You’ll adore this plant if your garden is plagued by four-legged animals other than cats. Deer, voles, and rabbits are deterred by the foliage’s minty aroma. THIS is a plant that pays for itself, at last!
Catmint vs. Catnip
Which is better, catnip or catmint? Plant common names can be confusing, especially when they sound so similar. Nepeta cataria, a widespread member of the mint family with white flowers that can be found all over the United States, particularly in disturbed areas, is known as catnip. These low-growing plants are a favorite among cats, and dried leaf cat toys are known to drive cats crazy.
On the other hand, catmint, another member of the mint family, is a stunning decorative plant that is hardy and flexible but is not as well-liked by domestic cats.
Walker’s Low Catmint: Nearly Perfect
Nepeta faassenii, often known as Walker’s Low catmint, has long served as the benchmark catmint in western gardens. In May, mounds of glistening periwinkle blue flowers begin to open, continuing for one to two months.
The blooms are a haven for hummingbirds, moths, butterflies, and bees, but deer and rabbits appear to avoid them. Catmints are nearly ideal plants since they can withstand drought, bloom for a long time, and withstand our harsh weather.
That is, almost flawless, barring two aspects. The weight of the blooms eventually causes the stalks to drop, opening and flattening the plant’s core, which causes all catmints to flop out a little after blooming.
The majority of catmints found at garden centers are fertile, which means that after blooming and receiving pollinator fertilization, they set viable seeds that disperse throughout the garden and result in an abundance of seedlings growing. Free seedlings are occasionally appreciated (especially those of such a lovely plant), but they are frequently an annoyance.
One more warning: Walker’s Low isn’t actually that “low.” Walker’s Low has a height range of 24 to 30 inches, which is quite low compared to Six Hills Giant, the previous benchmark for garden catmints, which reaches a height of 3 feet. Walker’s Low is actually not as low as its name suggests considering how little it is!
Little Trudy: Compact and Not a Spreader
Try Little Trudy catmint if you want a catmint with a neater appearance, one that stays compact and is more suited for small gardens, or one that won’t seed itself.
Before being released by Plant Select in 2008, Little Trudy was found at Little Valley Wholesale Nursery in Brighton, Colorado, and tested at Colorado State University and the Denver Botanic Gardens. It begins to bloom in the late spring and will continue to softly blossom all summer long. When crushed, the tiny, grey-green leaves release a pleasant scent.
Wildlife benefits: Pollinators such as moths, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to stalks of small, purple-blue blooms.
Growing advice: If desired, prune back the first heavy flush of blooms; a second full flush will occur later in the summer.
Spreads catmint quickly?
Plants that grow quickly called catmints. They start out in the spring by growing neat tiny piles of tidy new leaves. This spreads widely swiftly when plants start to form their flower buds. Walker’s Low is one of the cultivars that is grown the most frequently. But despite its name, this plant is in no way low-growing. These plants grow rapidly to their full size, which is around 3 feet tall by 3 feet broad. Many of the catmints grow leggy and flop open once their impressive flowering display is over. If this is the case, giving the plants a good cutback will quickly fix the problem. If you’re lucky, this will stimulate a second set of blossoms in addition to a wonderful new flush of growth.
Catmints’ hardiness and tolerance of poor soil conditions are two of their best qualities. Look no farther if you’ve previously struggled with growing anything in dense, dry clay. Catmint can take it and continue to flourish. But it’s crucial to remember that some plants do enjoy some sunshine. Although they can tolerate some shade, they are considerably more likely to flop open. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that many catmint species have a tendency to spread like weeds in gardens. If this worries you, opt for sterile types like “Walker’s Low” that won’t spread and create any further issues. Also recognized for withstanding hard winters is catmint.