Siberian Catmint Nepeta sibirica 'Altai'
ABOUT
Nepeta sibirica 'Altai', commonly known as Siberian Catmint, is a herbaceous perennial that radiates a soft, informal appearance. This charming plant features an abundance of lavender-blue flowers which cluster along spikes atop the square stems that are characteristic of plants in the mint family. These blossoms can be a delight to the senses, with their delicate, tubular shape adding to the whimsical aesthetic of the plant. Siberian Catmint is also known for its fragrant, grey-green foliage. The leaves exude a refreshing scent when touched or crushed, which many find soothing and are sometimes used for its aromatic properties. These leaves are typically heart-shaped or ovate and have a slightly toothed edge, giving them a fine-textured look against the softer flowering spikes. The contrast between the cool-toned blooms and the warm, verdant leaves creates a captivating display in any garden. Even though its dimensions are not the focus, it’s worth noting that Siberian Catmint makes for a generous display of color that can have significant impact on visual garden design. Through its flowering season, it becomes a focal point because of the lushness of its floral presentation. With its propensity to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, it also contributes to the ecological health of a garden environment.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Siberian Catmint, Siberian Nepeta, Altai Catnip
Common names
Nepeta sibirica.
ToxicityTo humans
Siberian catmint (Nepeta sibirica 'Altai') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are usually no adverse effects for most individuals if ingested in small, typical garden amounts. However, it's important to note that plants can sometimes cause reactions due to individual allergies or sensitivities, and it is always advisable to exercise caution and keep plants out of reach of young children who might ingest them.
To pets
Siberian catmint is generally regarded as safe for pets and is actually known to be attractive to cats, similar to the familiar catnip (though they are different species). It's unlikely to pose a health risk if your pet chews on the leaves or stems, but individual animals can have unique sensitivities, and ingestion in large quantities might lead to digestive upset or other issues. Monitor your pets to prevent them from consuming large amounts of any plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Siberia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Nepeta sibirica 'Altai', commonly known as Siberian Catmint, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects which aid in pollination.
- Drought-resistant: Once established, Siberian Catmint is highly tolerant to dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once it has settled in, needing only occasional watering and pruning.
- Pest-resistant: It has natural resistance to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical repellents.
- Easy to propagate: Siberian Catmint can be easily propagated from cuttings or by division, making it economical and easy to expand garden coverage.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its lavender-blue flowers and aromatic foliage, it adds beauty and fragrance to garden spaces.
- Long blooming period: This variety of Nepeta produces flowers from early to late summer, providing a long season of visual interest.
- Herbaceous perennial: As a perennial, it returns each year, reducing the need for replanting and maintenance of annuals.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: Its aromatic leaves tend to deter deer and rabbits, protecting it from browsing animals.
- Provides ground cover: Its growth habit can help prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds by providing dense ground coverage.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Nepeta sibirica 'Altai', also known as Siberian Catmint, may contain compounds that help reduce inflammation.
- Sedative: It is traditionally used for its mild sedative effects, which may help in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
- Antispasmodic: The plant may offer relief from spasms and cramps in the body.
- Diuretic: It has been used to increase urine production to aid in the removal of waste from the kidney and bladder.
- Antiseptic: The essential oils found in Siberian Catmint might have antiseptic properties beneficial for treating minor wounds or infections.
- Carminative: May help in relieving flatulence and stomach discomfort.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Siberian catmint can be used as a natural insect repellent when its leaves are crushed and applied to the skin, thanks to its nepetalactone content which is similar to the active components in catnip.
- The pleasantly scented foliage of Siberian catmint can be used in potpourris to provide a refreshing aroma to indoor spaces.
- Gardeners sometimes plant Siberian catmint as a companion plant because it can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- The tall and graceful stalks of Siberian catmint make it suitable for use in fresh or dried floral arrangements.
- Siberian catmint can serve as a natural dye, where parts of the plant are boiled to extract the pigment for coloring fabrics or crafts.
- Farmers might plant it around fields or along borders as it is believed to help deter rabbits and deer from grazing on more valuable crops.
- Aromatic oils can be derived from Siberian catmint and used in making candles, soaps, and other scented products.
- The plant can be used as a cover crop to help manage weeds and improve soil health due to its dense growth habit.
- Siberian catmint may be used in garden design to create a sensory garden, providing texture and scent that can be enjoyed when brushed against or touched.
- Crafters sometimes use the dried seed heads and stems of Siberian catmint in creating rustic or nature-inspired decorations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Catmint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Catmint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Relaxation: Nepeta sibirica, commonly known as Siberian Catmint or Catnip, often symbolizes relaxation due to its calming effect on cats, which is believed to extend a sense of tranquility to humans in its presence.
- Playfulness: The plant also represents playfulness because of the way cats react to its aroma, engaging in lively and spirited behavior.
- Peace: Catmint is associated with peace as its gentle and soft appearance in gardens offers a visually soothing experience, promoting a peaceful ambiance.
- Healing: Historically, various Nepeta species were used for their medicinal properties, lending the Siberian Catmint a symbolic meaning of healing and wellness.
- Attraction: The strong fragrance and ability to attract cats and beneficial insects gives the Siberian Catmint the symbolic meaning of attraction, drawing in positivity and good company.
WaterSiberian Catmint should be watered regularly, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep root system. After establishment, it is quite drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. The plant prefers even moisture but can tolerate periods of dryness. Depending on the climate, a general rule is to water Siberian Catmint once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. During hot, dry spells, watering may need to increase to twice a week. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for deep, thorough watering which is more beneficial than frequent, shallow waterings.
LightSiberian Catmint thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some light afternoon shade. An ideal spot would be a location where the plant is exposed to unfiltered morning sun followed by dappled afternoon light, which helps moderate heat in warmer climates.
TemperatureSiberian Catmint is cold hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it grows best when the temperature is between 60°F to 75°F. It can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F, making it suitable for many temperate regions. Siberian Catmint also tolerates summer heat, but extreme temperatures above 90°F may impact its growth and flowering.
PruningPrune Siberian Catmint to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. Pruning should be done in early spring, cutting back the previous year's growth by about a third. Additionally, after the first flush of flowers wanes, deadheading or light pruning can promote a second bloom. Pruning is also important to remove any damaged or dead stems and to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSiberian Catmint prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. A soil mix with equal parts garden soil, sand, and compost would provide an ideal growing medium ensuring good drainage and fertility.
RepottingSiberian Catmint should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingSiberian Catmint is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average ambient humidity found in most garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in sunny spot, water when topsoil dry.
Outdoor
Choose sun to part shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Nepeta sibirica 'Altai', commonly known as Siberian Catmint, begins with seed germination which occurs in late winter to early spring, when temperatures start to warm. After germination, the plant enters a vegetative stage where it develops a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, followed by the elongation of stems and the production of its distinctive gray-green foliage. As the growing season progresses and temperatures increase, Siberian Catmint enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, producing tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant sets seeds which mature by late summer or fall, and these seeds are dispersed, naturally or by human intervention, to propagate the next generation. The plant is a perennial, so after seed set, it enters a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, where above-ground growth dies back and the plant survives with its root system intact. With the return of favorable conditions in the following spring, Siberian Catmint regrows from its overwintering roots, completing the cycle and beginning anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Nepeta sibirica 'Altai', commonly known as Siberian Catmint, is by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is in spring after the last frost when the soil temperature reaches about 70°F (21°C). To propagate, scatter the seeds on the surface of a well-draining soil mix and lightly press them into the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination should occur within two to three weeks. Once seedlings have developed and are large enough to handle, transplant them to their final location in the garden where they can flourish in full sun to partial shade.
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