Catmint Nepeta 'Chettle Blue'
ABOUT
Nepeta 'Chettle Blue', commonly known as catmint, is a perennial plant that presents itself with a lush, herbaceous growth habit. This variety, in particular, is admired for its aromatic foliage and beautiful blooms. The leaves are typically a soft, gray-green color, and they exhibit a slightly fuzzy texture which is common to many in the Nepeta genus. The foliage can also be characterized by its heart-shaped base and pointed tips, boasting a fine serration along the edges. When in bloom, the 'Chettle Blue' catmint produces an abundance of delicate flowers that create a misty blue to lavender inflorescence. These blossoms are densely packed on slender spikes that rise above the foliage, offering a striking contrast with the greenery beneath them. The flowers themselves are small, tubular, and have a two-lipped appearance, which is typical of the wider mint family that Nepeta belongs to. In the right conditions, the plant can enjoy a lengthy blooming period, often repeating its floral show multiple times in a single growing season. Additionally, the overall appearance of the Nepeta 'Chettle Blue' contributes to its popularity in garden design. It's not only praised for its ornamental value but also for its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are enticed by its nectar-rich flowers. Its appealing texture and color palette make it a versatile choice for borders, herb gardens, and as a complement to other flowering plants in mixed beds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Chettle Blue Catmint
Common names
Nepeta 'Chettle Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
Nepeta 'Chettle Blue', commonly known as Catmint, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. While it is not commonly eaten, accidental ingestion is unlikely to cause more than mild gastrointestinal upset, if any symptoms occur at all. There are no significant toxins in catmint known to adversely affect human health.
To pets
Catmint is known to be of low toxicity to pets, including cats and dogs. While it is famously attractive to cats due to its mild stimulant effect on them, ingestion of this plant is typically not dangerous. Cats may exhibit behaviors ranging from hyperactivity to drooling as a response to the plant’s aromatic compounds, but these are not signs of poisoning. However, in large amounts, it could possibly cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
3 feet (91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Nepeta 'Chettle Blue', commonly known as catmint, produces flowers that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, catmint is known for its ability to withstand periods of low water, making it a good choice for water-conserving landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Catmint is easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond occasional watering and pruning to encourage additional blooms.
- Aromatic Foliage: The grey-green foliage of catmint emits a pleasing scent when touched, which can add sensory enjoyment to garden spaces.
- Long Blooming Period: Catmint has a long flowering period, often blooming from late spring to early fall, providing extended color in the garden.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The aromatic foliage of catmint is generally unappealing to deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for areas where these animals are a concern.
- Ornamental Interest: With its spikes of lavender-blue flowers and attractive foliage, catmint adds ornamental interest to borders, beds, and containers.
- Easy Propagation: Catmint can be easily propagated by division or cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for use in other areas or to share with friends.
- Soil Adaptable: Catmint is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soils, making it suitable for many garden settings.
- Herbal Companion: Its strong scent makes it a good companion plant in herb gardens, as it can deter certain pests from more sensitive herbs and vegetables.
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 'Chettle Blue', commonly known as catmint, contains nepetalactone which can be used to attract and entertain cats. As a cat stimulant, its effects are similar to those of catnip.
- Natural Pesticide: Crushed leaves of catmint can be scattered in a garden to help repel certain insects and pests naturally without the use of chemical pesticides.
- Garden Companion Planting: Catmint can be interplanted with vegetables to help deter harmful insects and can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies for pollination.
- Herbal Sachets: Dried catmint can be used in sachets to freshen up wardrobes, linen closets, and to deter moths from clothing and fabrics.
- Decorative Dried Arrangements: Dried stalks of catmint, with their lingering aroma and visual appeal, can be used in creating long-lasting floral arrangements.
- Culinary Flavoring: Although not a standard herb for cooking, some adventurous chefs use catmint in small quantities to impart a unique flavor to certain dishes.
- Tea Gardens: Catmint can be used to add variety to a tea garden and can be brewed in small amounts for a mild, relaxing tea.
- Fragrant Potpourris: The leaves and flowers of catmint can be included in potpourris to add their light, pleasant scent to a mix of dried aromatic herbs.
- Landscape Design: Due to its attractive blue flowers and gray-green foliage, catmint can be used for aesthetic purposes in landscape design, particularly in rock gardens or as border plants.
- Educational Tool: Catmint can serve as an educational plant to teach children or gardening beginners about the relationships between plants and animals, such as the attraction of pollinators and the interaction with cats.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCatmint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCatmint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Relaxation: As a member of the mint family, Chettle Blue, commonly called Catmint, is often associated with calming and soothing qualities reminiscent of the relaxing effects of mint.
- Playfulness: Catmint is known to attract cats and make them exhibit playful behavior, which extends this symbolic meaning of lightheartedness and fun to the plant.
- Attracts Positive Energy: In gardening, Catmint's ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies symbolizes a gathering of positive energy and life.
- Resilience: Catmint is a hardy perennial that can thrive in a variety of conditions, representing adaptability and enduring strength.
WaterCatmint 'Chettle Blue' should be watered deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week during active growth periods in spring and summer. In hotter, drier climates, water usage may increase to twice a week, using approximately 1 gallon per plant to ensure deep soil saturation. During the fall and cooler months, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on rainfall, to avoid overwatering. It's important to allow the soil to mostly dry out between waterings to prevent root rot, as catmint prefers well-drained soil conditions.
LightCatmint 'Chettle Blue' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would be where the plant can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is also suitable, especially in regions with intense afternoon sun, to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureCatmint 'Chettle Blue' is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in conditions between 60°F and 80°F. It can usually withstand temperatures down to about -20°F in winter and up to about 90°F in summer, but prolonged exposure to extremes beyond this range can stress the plant.
PruningCatmint 'Chettle Blue' should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune in early spring to remove any winter-damaged stems and again after the first bloom to promote a second flowering. Deadheading throughout the growing season can also encourage additional blooms. The best time for major pruning is early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCatmint 'Chettle Blue' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite works well. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to support its growth.
RepottingCatmint 'Chettle Blue' generally doesn't require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingCatmint 'Chettle Blue' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average garden conditions without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Catmint 'Chettle Blue' begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil in early spring after the last frost, or in late fall for spring germination. Seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with characteristic grey-green, aromatic foliage, and begin to establish a root system. As the plants mature, they enter the vegetative stage where they grow rapidly and start to form a bushy habit. During late spring to early summer, 'Chettle Blue' enters the flowering stage, producing tall spikes of small, tubular, lavender-blue flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, completing the reproductive phase as seeds are dispersed for future growth. Following the blooms, the plant may experience a period of dormancy, especially in colder climates, with growth resuming the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Nepeta 'Chettle Blue', commonly known as Catmint, can be effectively propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is in late spring to early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. To propagate, one should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a piece about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The stem cutting is planted in a pot with well-draining soil, ensuring that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. The pot should then be placed in a warm spot with indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Catmint plant can be transplanted to its final location in the garden.
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