Blue Wonder Catmint Nepeta nervosa 'Forncett Select'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Nepeta nervosa 'Forncett Select', commonly known as catmint, is a perennial herb with a graceful, spreading habit. The plant features a profusion of fragrant foliage that is typically green with a subtle grayish tint, making it an appealing base for the flowers that emerge above it. Distinct for its texture, the leaves are small, slightly heart-shaped at the base, with scalloped edges and a fine, downy surface that is soft to the touch. Throughout the blooming season, the catmint boasts numerous flower spikes that rise elegantly above the foliage. These flowers are typically a rich lavender-blue hue, which adds a cool color tone to the garden. The blossoms are small, tubular, and clustered densely along the flower spikes, creating a visually striking display that can be abundant under ideal growing conditions. The overall appearance of Nepeta nervosa 'Forncett Select' is one of a lush, mounded clump that gently spreads and can become a highlight in a border or an aromatic feature in a sensory garden. The blooms are known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while also being deer and rabbit resistant, adding to the plant’s allure and garden utility.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Lamiaceae
- Synonyms
  Blue Wonder Catmint, Nervous Catmint
- Common names
  Nepeta nervosa 'Forncett Select'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Catmint (the most common name for Nepeta nervosa 'Forncett Select') is not considered toxic to humans. However, like any plant, some people may have individual allergic reactions or sensitivities if they come into contact with it or inadvertently ingest it. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from catmint, as it is generally seen as safe for humans. Ingesting parts of the plant is not commonly associated with any serious consequences for humans.
- To pets
  Catmint is non-toxic to pets; it is actually often enjoyed by cats for its mild sedative effect that can mimic the effect of catnip. However, if a pet were to ingest a large amount of catmint, it could potentially lead to mild GI upset as with any non-food item. Common symptoms could include vomiting or diarrhea, but these symptoms are usually not serious. There are no toxic consequences associated with pets ingesting this plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Blue
- Height
  1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot 6 inches (45 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  4
- Native area
  Caucasus

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts pollinators: Nepeta nervosa 'Forncett Select', commonly known as Catmint, is known for its ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Catmint has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for arid climates or water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: Catmint requires minimal care once established, making it an easy plant for gardeners of all levels.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its lavender-blue flowers and gray-green foliage, Catmint adds color and texture to garden beds and borders.
- Deer and rabbit resistance: The aromatic foliage is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, protecting the garden's visual integrity.
- Herbaceous perennial: Being a perennial, Catmint returns each year, which means gardeners don't need to replant it annually.
- Ground cover potential: Catmint can spread to form a dense mat, making it useful for erosion control and as a ground cover to suppress weeds.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Cat Attraction: Catmint is well-known for its ability to attract cats, who enjoy rolling in and chewing on the plant due to the presence of a compound called nepetalactone.
- Garden Borders: Due to its compact size and attractive foliage, 'Forncett Select' can be used to create eye-catching borders in a garden setting.
- Companion Planting: This variety of catmint can be used in companion planting to help deter pests from more vulnerable plants in the garden.
- Insect Repellent: The strong scent of catmint is believed to naturally repel certain insects, making it useful to plant in areas where insect control is desired.
- Erosion Control: The dense growth habit of Nepeta nervosa 'Forncett Select' can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Drought Resistance: As a drought-resistant plant, it can be used in xeriscaping to contribute to water conservation efforts in landscaping.
- Pressed Plant Art: The leaves and flowers can be pressed and used to make decorative art pieces or bookmarks.
- Wildlife Habitat: When planted, it provides a habitat and food source for a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Tea Ingredient: Though not a medical use, the leaves can be dried and added to herbal teas for flavoring, without making any health claims.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and stems can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or crafts.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Catmint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Catmint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Relaxation: Nepeta nervosa 'Forncett Select', commonly known as Catmint, is often associated with its ability to relax and soothe. This is because catmint can produce a calming effect on cats and is believed to provide a similar sense of relaxation and serenity to humans.
- Playfulness: The playful behavior exhibited by cats under the influence of Catmint speaks to a spirit of playfulness and fun that is symbolically linked to the plant.
- Attractiveness: With its lush foliage and attractive blue flowers, Catmint can symbolize attractiveness and beauty, drawing in not only feline admirers but also human ones who appreciate its aesthetic appeal in gardens.
- Healing: Historically, Catmint has been used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments. As such, it carries with it the symbolism of healing and therapeutic properties.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Catmint 'Forncett Select' appreciates consistent moisture but also requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. During the growing season, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week, with about a gallon of water for mature plants. Younger or potted specimens may need slightly more frequent watering, such as twice a week, especially in hotter, dryer periods. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.
Light
Catmint 'Forncett Select' thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. The ideal location is a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in areas with very hot afternoon sun. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Temperature
Catmint 'Forncett Select' is generally hardy and can survive in a wide range of temperatures, typically between 30°F and 85°F. The ideal growing conditions for this perennial herb are between 60°F and 70°F. It can survive light frosts but should be protected from extreme cold below 30°F.
Pruning
Pruning Catmint 'Forncett Select' encourages bushier growth and more prolific flowering. Trim back the plant by about a third in early spring to promote new growth. After the first flush of flowers fades, deadhead or cut back the flower stems to endorse a second bloom period. The best time for a major cutback is after the first killing frost in late fall or early winter.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
For Catmint 'Forncett Select', the best soil mix is well-draining with plenty of organic matter. A combination of loam, peat or compost, and sharp sand is ideal. The preferred soil pH should be slightly alkaline to neutral, around 7.0 to 8.0.
Repotting
Catmint 'Forncett Select' does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years, or when the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & Misting
Catmint 'Forncett Select' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does best in average ambient humidity, without needing any special humidity conditions.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Use bright, indirect light and well-draining soil for indoor Catmint.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil for outdoor Catmint.
- Hardiness zone
  4-8 USDA
Life cycle
Nepeta nervosa 'Forncett Select', commonly known as Catmint, starts its life as a seed, which upon germination in late spring or early summer, develops into a small seedling with characteristic heart-shaped, textured leaves. It grows vigorously during the warm months, forming a dense, rounded clump of herbaceous growth. In the first year, its stems elongate and the plant starts to produce lavender-blue flowers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Catmint enters a period of dormancy in the late fall as temperatures drop, often dying back to the ground in colder climates. In the spring, it re-emerges from its root system, ready to begin a new growth cycle. As a perennial plant, Catmint repeats this process of flowering and dormancy annually for several years.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- For the Nepeta nervosa 'Forncett Select', commonly known as Catmint, the most popular method of propagation is by dividing the plants. Division is best performed in early spring or early fall when temperatures are cooler. Start by gently digging up the clump of catmint, ensuring to cause minimal root disturbance. Once lifted from the ground, separate the clump into smaller sections, making sure that each new section has a good amount of roots and top growth. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at before, and water them thoroughly to help establish their roots. After planting, maintain consistent moisture but be careful not to overwater, providing about an inch (2.54 cm) of water per week if rainfall is insufficient. This method allows for a quick increase in plant numbers and revitalizes older plants that may have become woody at the center.