Catmint | Nepeta nervosa

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Catmint, or Nepeta nervosa, is a fragrant and hardy perennial plant that is beloved by gardeners and cats alike. With its attractive foliage and delicate purple-blue flowers, this versatile plant is perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers. In this article, we’ll explore the history, growing conditions, and various uses of Catmint, so you can discover why this plant is a must-have for any garden.

Family

The mint family, Lamiaceae, is a diverse and widespread plant family with around 7000 species. The family is known for its aromatic properties and includes herbs, shrubs, and trees. Many species in this family have been used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes for centuries. Nepeta nervosa is just one of the many species in the genus Nepeta, which is known for its fragrant foliage and spikes of showy flowers. This particular variety of Catmint is unique in its growth habit and characteristics, making it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers alike.

Mature Size

Nepeta nervosa is a compact perennial plant with a dense, bushy growth habit. It usually grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches, with a spread of 12 to 18 inches. This makes it a perfect choice for small gardens or border plantings. Despite its small size, this variety of Catmint can create a beautiful and eye-catching display when grown in masses. Nepeta nervosa produces numerous upright stems that are covered with aromatic gray-green leaves, making it an excellent choice for herb gardens. As the plant matures, it may start to develop a woody base. However, regular pruning after flowering can help keep it compact and promote new growth.

Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is an essential factor in the growth and development of Nepeta nervosa. As a plant that enjoys warm temperatures, it thrives in areas that receive full to partial sun. However, the amount of sun exposure it needs may vary depending on the climate and geographic location of the planting site. In regions with hot and dry climates, full sun exposure can cause the plant to become thin and leggy, and the leaves can wilt or turn yellow. In such areas, afternoon shade can protect the plant from the scorching heat of the sun, allowing it to thrive. Alternatively, watering the plant regularly can also help to prevent dehydration, which can occur in hot and dry climates. In contrast, in cooler regions, the plant may need full sun exposure to grow correctly. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the plant’s growth and adapt its sun exposure accordingly to ensure optimal growth and development.

Soil Type

The soil type is an important factor to consider when planting Nepeta nervosa. This variety of Catmint prefers well-drained soil that is light and has average to fertile nutrients. If the soil is too heavy and not well-draining, the plant can be susceptible to root rot. Therefore, it is best to avoid clay or compacted soils.

In addition to soil type, soil pH is also crucial for the growth and development of Nepeta nervosa. This variety of Catmint thrives in slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.7. The soil pH can be adjusted by adding lime to increase the pH or sulfur to decrease it. It is important to note that extreme variations from the ideal pH range can negatively affect the plant’s growth and health. Therefore, it is recommended to test the soil pH before planting and adjust it accordingly to ensure the best growing conditions for Nepeta nervosa.

Bloom Time

Nepeta nervosa blooms from mid-summer to fall, producing numerous spikes of blue to purple flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. The flowering period of this plant is relatively long, and the blooms are continuous, providing a colorful display for several months. Regular deadheading can help prolong the blooming season by encouraging the growth of new flowers. However, if left unpruned, the flowers will go to seed, and the plant may self-seed, producing new plants in the surrounding area.

Flower Color

This Catmint variety has fragrant spikes of blue to purple flowers.

Hardiness Zones

Hardiness zones refer to geographic areas defined by the average minimum temperature during the winter season. These zones help gardeners and landscapers determine which plants are suitable for their region. The hardiness zone of a region can affect plant growth and survival. In the case of Nepeta nervosa, it grows best in hardiness zones 4 to 8, which includes a wide range of climates in North America, Europe, and Asia. In colder zones, the plant may die back to the ground in the winter but will often regrow in the spring. In warmer zones, the plant may remain evergreen throughout the year. Gardeners should always check their local hardiness zone before selecting plants for their garden to ensure that they choose the right plants that can withstand the local climate.

Native Area

This variety of Catmint is native to southern and eastern Europe, including the Balkan Mountains, Turkey, and Syria.

Caring for Catmint

Catmints are not prone to serious disease or insect pests, however, if the plant is in a location that is too wet or cool, it can be susceptible to root rot and mildew. Ensure that your plants are planted in well-draining soil, in a spot that receives enough light but isn’t too dry or hot. Too much fertilizer will lead to sparse flower growth, so it should be avoided.

It’s best to prune Catmint after flowering, although it can be done any time during the season if necessary. Catmint should be cut back after flowering to promote bushy growth, as new growth of this variety can be sparse.

Propagating Catmint

Nepeta nervosa can easily be propagated through cuttings, division or by seed. Cuttings should be taken in spring or early summer and planted in moist soil or a mixture of soil and perlite. To propagate the plant through division, the root should be split and replanted in a prepared bed.

If you choose to plant seeds, the seeds should be planted in prepared beds in the spring. To germinate, Catmint seeds should be planted approximately one-quarter inch deep and lightly covered with soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy and in a warm, sunny spot for optimal growth.

Three Frequently Asked Questions about Catmint

Q. Does Catmint need a lot of sun?
A. Catmint prefers full to partial sun depending on the climate and geographic location of the planting site. In hot, dry climates, the plant will become thin and leggy in full sun, and should receive afternoon shade or plenty of water.

Q. Are Catmints hardy?
A. Catmints are generally quite hardy and resilient. This variety of Catmint grows best in zones 4 to 8.

Q. What is the best way to propagate Catmint?
A. Catmint can easily be propagated through cuttings, division or by seed. Cuttings should be taken in spring or early summer and planted in moist soil or a mixture of soil and perlite. To propagate the plant through division, the root should be split and replanted in a prepared bed. If you choose to plant seeds, the seeds should be planted in prepared beds in the spring. To germinate, Catmint seeds should be planted approximately one-quarter inch deep and lightly covered with soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy and in a warm, sunny spot for optimal growth.