Giant Catmint Nepeta grandiflora 'Bramdean'
ABOUT
Nepeta grandiflora 'Bramdean', also known as the catmint or giant catmint, is a perennial herbaceous plant that boasts a striking appearance. It has a robust bushy habit with a spread of tangled stems that give the plant an overall lush look. The foliage of Nepeta 'Bramdean' is characterized by its heart-shaped to lance-shaped leaves, which emanate a soft grey-green hue. These leaves are often slightly toothed on the edges, and they exude a fragrant scent when crushed, which is attractive to cats and beneficial for attracting bees and butterflies to the garden. The real show-stoppers are the flowers. Nepeta 'Bramdean' produces long, spike-like inflorescences teeming with small trumpet-shaped flowers, generally in shades of lavender or a rich violet-blue. These blossoms are neatly arranged in whorls along the upright stems and create a lovely contrast with the soft-textured foliage below. The plant has a long flowering period, often blooming from late spring into the summer months, providing a continuous display of vivid color and drawing in pollinators. Overall, the Nepeta 'Bramdean' makes a striking addition to gardens with its aromatic leaves and captivating blooms, creating a soft yet vibrant aesthetic.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Giant Catmint, Bramdean Catmint, Large-Flowered Catmint.
Common names
Nepeta grandiflora
ToxicityTo humans
Catmint is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting catmint typically does not lead to poisoning or severe adverse effects. However, as with any plant material, it's advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting parts of the plant not meant for consumption, as individual sensitivities can vary.
To pets
Catmint is recognized for being non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting the plant does not usually result in poisoning. Nevertheless, cats may exhibit mild symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea if they consume large amounts of catmint due to the nepetalactone compound it contains, which can cause temporary euphoria in felines.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The plant produces flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, aiding in pollination.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Nepeta grandiflora 'Bramdean' has good drought resistance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water garden designs.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its beautiful violet-blue flowers, it adds color and visual interest to garden beds and borders.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for its hardy nature, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels, as it requires minimal care.
- Deer Resistance: It is typically resistant to deer, which makes it a good choice for areas where deer are a common garden nuisance.
- Fragrant Foliage: The leaves of the plant are aromatic, which can add a pleasant scent to the garden or when used in cut flower arrangements.
- Culinary Uses: The leaves of catmint can be used in culinary dishes, imparting a mild, minty flavor.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a long flowering period, from early summer to early fall, providing lasting beauty in the landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cat Attractant: Nepeta grandiflora 'Bramdean', commonly known as Catmint, can be used to entertain cats as it has similar effects to catnip, encouraging play and exercise.
- Garden Aesthetic Enhancer: The vibrant purple flowers can be used to create a visually appealing "river" or "pool" of color in landscape designs, enriching garden aesthetics.
- Natural Potpourri: The leaves and flowers of Catmint can be dried and used in potpourri mixes to impart a pleasant fragrance to indoor spaces.
- Insect Repellant Bouquets: The essential oils in Catmint can deter certain insects, so placing bouquets around outdoor seating areas can help reduce insect presence.
- Floral Arrangements: The long-blooming flowers are ideal for cutting gardens and can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements.
- Companion Planting: Catmint can be planted next to vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects like bees for pollination, improving the yields of vegetable plants.
- Photography Prop: Due to its showy blooms, Catmint can be used as a photogenic backdrop or focal point for garden photography.
- Culinary Garnish: While not a common practice, the flowers can be used as an edible garnish, adding color to salads and desserts.
- Ecological Support: Catmint can provide nectar for a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Erosion Control: The plant's ability to spread and form mats can help stabilize soil in sloped areas of the garden, helping to prevent soil erosion.
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: Like other members of the Nepeta genus, commonly known as catmint, Nepeta grandiflora 'Bramdean' can be associated with a calming and soothing effect, which is often related to how cats react to the plant.
- Playfulness: Reflecting the behavior of cats who are attracted to these plants, catmint can symbolize playfulness and joy.
- Affection: The attraction cats show towards catmint may also be interpreted as a symbol of affection or love.
- Protection: In some traditions, catmint is believed to have protective qualities, warding off evil spirits or negativity when planted in a garden or carried as an amulet.
WaterFor giant catmint or Bramdean catmint, water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be once a week during active growing seasons like spring and summer. In hot, dry periods, watering may need to increase to twice per week. Each watering session should be deep enough to soak the roots, so use about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on size. During dormant periods in fall and winter, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, ensuring the soil doesn't become waterlogged as the plant's water needs decrease.
LightGiant catmint thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. The best spot offers at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in particularly hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense, scorching heat.
TemperatureGiant catmint prefers temperate conditions and can typically withstand temperatures down to about 20°F before going dormant or sustaining damage. Ideally, it thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F, which promote healthy growth and flowering. It can tolerate higher temperatures as long as it is not exposed to prolonged extreme heat above 95°F without sufficient water.
PruningPrune giant catmint to shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and stimulate a second bloom. The best time for pruning is after the first flush of flowers has faded, typically in early to mid-summer. Cut back the spent flower stems and about one-third of the foliage. Light pruning can also be done in early spring to remove any winter-damaged growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Giant Catmint 'Bramdean' prefers well-draining soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix for Giant Catmint would be equal parts garden soil, coarse sand, and compost to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingGiant Catmint 'Bramdean' does not require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2-3 years, depending on its growth rate.
Humidity & MistingGiant Catmint 'Bramdean' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in average humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when top soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleNepeta grandiflora 'Bramdean', commonly known as Giant Catmint or Bramdean Catmint, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring when soil temperatures rise. The seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative state, establishing a root system and foliage throughout the spring and early summer. As the plant matures, it enters a flowering stage in late spring to summer, displaying spikes of lavender-blue flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, which are then dispersed by various means, such as wind or animals. Post-flowering, the plant may enter a dormant stage in late summer to fall, particularly in colder climates. Throughout its life, Giant Catmint can exhibit periods of vegetative regrowth after flowering, sometimes blooming repeatedly until the first frost, after which it may die back to the ground and become dormant, surviving winter to start the cycle anew the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: Nepeta grandiflora 'Bramdean', commonly known as catmint, is best propagated in the garden using stem cuttings or division, with the optimal time for carrying out these methods being in late spring to early summer. To propagate through stem cuttings, one must select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 3- to 4-inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) piece just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then stripped off, and the cutting can be dipped in a rooting hormone before being placed into a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and cuttings should be placed in a bright, indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. After rooting, the young plants can be transplanted into the garden in early fall, spacing them about 18 inches (45 centimeters) apart to allow for mature spread.
