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IndoorThe catmint plant (Nepeta mussinii) is an excellent addition to any garden. With its beautiful lavender-blue flowers, aromatic leaves, and ability to attract cats, catmint is both attractive and functional.
The Growers Exchange offers top-quality catmint plants grown sustainably by our team without harmful chemicals. Discover the benefits of this versatile plant, and see how it can improve your garden.
The catmint plant is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is known for its drought tolerance and long blooming season.
The catmint plant is highly ornamental, with its soft, gray-green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. Its most notable feature is the beautiful catmint flower, which blooms in shades of lavender and blue.
The plant has a spreading, bushy habit and can grow anywhere from 12 to 24 inches tall, depending on the variety. Its foliage forms a neat mound, and the flowers appear on upright spikes, creating a stunning display throughout the growing season. Planting catmint is a great way to add color to garden borders and walkways.
One of the unique qualities of the catmint plant is its ability to bloom over an extended period. It produces eye-catching blooms from late spring to fall, especially if deadheaded regularly. Catmint's longevity and resilience make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a plant that requires minimal effort yet provides lasting beauty.
Like catmint, catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family. Both plants can stimulate felines as they contain nepetalactone, which induces playful and euphoric behavior in many cats.
However, some cats seem unaffected by catnip but are drawn to catnip, and vice versa. The concentration of nepetalactone can vary between the two, which may explain different reactions. Individual feline sensitivity to this compound can also influence their preferences, as some cats are genetically predisposed to respond to nepetalactone while others are not.
The two plants share a similar fragrance, but catmint is more commonly used in gardens because of its decorative qualities and ability to attract beneficial pollinators. Catmint is also a practical choice for gardeners seeking a plant that is both beautiful and easy to care for.
Native to Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean, catmint has been cultivated for centuries for its ornamental beauty and practical uses. Historically, it was used as a mild remedy for colds and digestive issues. Gardeners also relied on catmint for its pest-repelling qualities and ability to attract pollinators. Today, it is still appreciated for its ability to enhance a garden's aesthetic appeal and support pollinator populations.
Caring for the catmint plant is straightforward, making it perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. Follow these catmint plant care tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:
Light: Catmint plants thrive in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. For the best flowering results, give your plants at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature: These plants are hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making them suitable for a wide range of climates. They can tolerate both heat and cooler temperatures, performing well in various environments.
Soil: Catmint prefers well-draining soil but is highly adaptable. It can thrive in poorer soils, including dry, rocky, or less fertile areas. Its ability to survive in tough conditions makes it an ideal plant for gardens with challenging soil types.
Watering: Once established, catmint requires little watering. It is drought-tolerant and does well in dry conditions, making it a great choice for low-water gardens or xeriscaping. However, during particularly dry spells, deep watering may be necessary to keep the plant thriving.
Fertilizing: Catmint doesn't require heavy feeding. A light application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring will help promote healthy growth and vigorous blooms.
Pruning: Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms throughout the growing season. In late fall, you can trim back the plant to maintain a neat appearance and prepare it for fresh growth in the spring.
The catmint plant offers a wide range of benefits, making it a valuable addition to any garden:
Attracts Pollinators: The catmint flower is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to support local ecosystems. Gardeners looking to create a pollinator-friendly environment will find catmint to be a perfect choice.
Deer and Rabbit Resistant: One of the plant's practical advantages is its resistance to deer and rabbits. These animals tend to avoid catmint, which makes it a low-maintenance plant in areas where wildlife might otherwise be an issue.
Deters Pests: Catmint is also a great insect deterrent, especially against aphids and Japanese beetles.
Drought Tolerant: Once established, catmint is highly drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for gardens in arid regions. Its ability to thrive with minimal water makes it ideal for xeriscaping and low-water garden designs.
Versatile Garden Use: Whether along garden borders, in rock gardens, or as ground cover, catmint adds vibrant color and soft texture to any garden setting. Its ability to spread and fill gaps and spaces also helps suppress weeds, providing a natural and attractive ground cover option.
Natural Companion Plant: Catmint pairs well with various other plants, making it an excellent companion in mixed garden beds. For instance, its soft, flowing form complements bolder perennials like daylilies, roses, and echinacea.
Traditional Herbal Uses: Historically, catmint was brewed into teas to help with mild digestive and respiratory issues. While it is no longer commonly used for these purposes, its history as a traditional medicinal herb appeals to those interested in herbal gardening.
The catmint plant is an excellent choice if you're looking for a low-maintenance, resilient herb that adds beauty and fragrance to your garden. It also has the added benefit of being attractive to feline friends.
At The Growers Exchange, we offer catmint plants for sale and various other live herbs, from ornamental to medicinal. Please browse our selection online or contact us for more information and even gardening tips. We aim to help fellow gardeners cultivate thriving, sustainable gardens by providing high-quality plants and helpful resources.
