![]() ![]() The minty flavored leaves of catmint are commonly used in herbal teas and are thought to have various health benefits. Plant catmint in the garden during the cooler months of spring or fall after all danger of frost is past.Ĭatmint is not considered invasive, though catnip, its close relative, can be weedy and somewhat invasive in the right growing conditions. Catnip has a more compelling scent, while catmint has more ornamental value in the landscape.įor best flowering, catmint needs at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Though the scent of both plants are attractive to cats, hence the name, catnip belongs to a different species ( Nepeta cataria). Suitable for small spaces, containers, or as edging along pathways, borders and beds. Rose-purple calyxes extend the color past peak bloom. ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ ( Nepeta hybrid) is a dwarf variety with brilliant indigo-blue flowers along the entire length of the stems. Plants grow into a broad spreading mound, making this a good choice for mass plantings, containers and border edging. ‘Cat’s Meow’ ( Nepeta faassenii) produces rich lavender-blue flowers on upright flop-proof stems, with a dense, uniform habit. ![]() After initial flowering, shear plants as needed to encourage a bushier habit and rebloom later in the growing season. Pruning: Some varieties of catmint may become leggy or flop open at the center. Overfertilizing can cause fewer flowers or plants to flop. Mulch new plants around the base with a thin layer of compost. During extreme heat or prolonged dry spells, water as needed.įertilizing: Catmint does best with little or no supplemental fertilizer. Catmint is drought tolerant once the root system is established, needing little or no supplemental water. Watering: Provide regular water during the first growing season. For containers, use a high quality all-purpose potting mix. Plants will perform best in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Soil: Catmint grows easily in most soil types, including rocky or clay soil. Backfill the hole with soil and tamp down slightly to remove air pockets.Set the plant in the hole with the base level with the soil.Remove the catmint plant from the nursery pot and tease out roots if potbound.Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball.Follow these steps and space plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. How to plant: Catmint flowers best in full sun to partial shade, preferring some afternoon shade in warmer climates. Catmint's mounding or upright growth habit is perfect for mixed borders, as pathway edging, or in mass plantings. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, plants are virtually pest and disease-free, while the mint-like scent repels deer and rabbits. Bloom occurs from late spring into fall, with the small tubular flowers attracting hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators.Ĭatmint is drought tolerant and thrives on neglect, making it good for beginning gardeners, low-maintenance landscapes and water-wise borders. It produces aromatic gray-green foliage and upright flower spikes in shades of lavender-blue, pink or white. Buy catmint plants – Order perennials online and have them shipped right to your doorĪ reliable long-lived perennial, catmint ( Nepeta) is a member of the mint family.
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