Pink Catmint Nepeta nervosa 'Pink Cat'
ABOUT
The 'Pink Cat' is a perennial plant known for its attractive, showy pink flowers. These blossoms are tightly packed in whorls along spikes that rise above the foliage, creating a colorful display. Each individual flower resembles a small trumpet and contributes to the dense, fluffy appearance of the flower spikes. The blooms are favored by pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are drawn to their sweet scent. The leaves of the 'Pink Cat' are textured, with a soft and fine hairy surface that is pleasant to the touch. They are green, sometimes with a grayish tinge, and typically have a rounded or heart-shaped base tapering to a pointed tip. The foliage often forms a dense, mounded clump, which serves as an attractive base for the rising flower spikes. This ornamental herb is also celebrated for its aromatic foliage, which, when brushed against or crushed, releases a refreshing, minty fragrance that is characteristic of its genus. The alluring combination of visual and sensory features makes the 'Pink Cat' a popular choice for gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Pink Catmint, Catmint 'Pink Cat', Ornamental Catmint.
Common names
Nepeta nervosa 'Pink Cat'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Pink Cat plant is not considered toxic to humans. In general, the Nepeta genus, which Pink Cat is a part of, is known for having members that are commonly used in gardens for their aromatic leaves and attractiveness to cats (thus the common name "catmint"). However, it's always possible for individuals to have allergic reactions or sensitivities to particular plants, so it's wise to handle any plant material with care if you're unsure about your reactions to it. If accidentally ingested, Pink Cat is unlikely to cause serious harm, but consumption of plant material that is not typically considered edible is generally discouraged due to the potential for stomach upset or other mild gastrointestinal symptoms.
To pets
The Pink Cat plant is actually a variety of catmint, which is a relative to catnip. Catmint is widely known for being attractive to cats and is often used in pet toys and treats due to its appealing effect on feline behavior. It is not toxic to cats, and it generally causes them to exhibit playfulness and euphoria. For dogs and other pets, it is also not considered toxic, but as with any non-food plant, ingestion can potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. As always, keep an eye on your pets' interactions with any plants to ensure they don't consume large quantities, which could potentially cause more significant upset regardless of toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators - The flowers of 'Pink Cat' mint are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought tolerant - Once established, this plant can withstand periods of drought, making it a good choice for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens.
- Deer resistant - 'Pink Cat' mint has a natural resistance to deer, which tend to avoid plants with strong scents or aromatic oils.
- Easy to grow - This plant is hardy and adaptable, requiring minimal maintenance, which makes it excellent for novice gardeners.
- Provides color - With its vivid pink flowers, Nepeta nervosa 'Pink Cat' adds a pop of color to gardens from late spring to early summer.
- Suitable for containers - It can be grown in containers, allowing those with limited space to enjoy its benefits.
- Herbaceous perennial - As a perennial, it will regrow year after year, providing long-term value in the garden.
- Garden border plant - It's well-suited for use in borders due to its moderate size and attractive, mounded growth habit.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ink dye: The leaves of 'Pink Cat' may be boiled to produce a natural dye for inks.
- Crafting potpourri: Dried flowers can be added to potpourri mixes for their pleasant aroma and color.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oil from 'Pink Cat' can be used in diffusers for its calming fragrance.
- Culinary garnish: Fresh flowers can be used to decorate cakes or desserts for an edible, aesthetic touch.
- Photography: It makes an excellent subject for macro photography due to its intricate flower structures.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, the flowers add a unique element to bouquets or indoor arrangements.
- Artistic inspiration: The plant's form and color can inspire designs in textiles and wallpaper patterns.
- Feline entertainment: Similar to catnip, 'Pink Cat' might entertain cats, albeit usually less effectively.
- Book pressing: The plant’s flowers and leaves can be pressed in books to create natural bookmarks.
- Companion planting: It can be used in the garden to draw beneficial insects and enhance biodiversity.
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, commonly known as catmint, releases a fragrance that is known for its calming and soothing effects on the nerves.
- Playfulness - With a name like 'Pink Cat', it evokes a sense of playfulness associated with cats who are often attracted to and enjoy the scent of catmint plants.
- Attractiveness - The 'Pink Cat' variety, with its vibrant pink flowers, symbolizes an attraction not only to felines but also as an inviting plant for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Healing - Historically, catmint has been used in herbal remedies, representing healing properties for various ailments.
- Home - Since catmint is a plant that often attracts cats to return home for its comfort, it can symbolize a sense of home or belonging.
WaterCatmint 'Pink Cat' should be watered deeply once every week during its growing season, especially if the weather is dry. However, this plant is drought tolerant and may require less frequent watering once established. Aim to provide approximately one inch of water per week, either through rainfall or supplemental watering. It's best to water this plant at the base, avoiding wetting the foliage, to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. During the winter or in cooler climates, reduce watering, as the plant requires less moisture.
LightCatmint 'Pink Cat' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when planted in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This plant will tolerate light shade, but flowering may be reduced. Ensure that the spot chosen has ample light for the majority of the day to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
TemperatureCatmint 'Pink Cat' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. It can withstand minimum temperatures of around -30 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and can tolerate high temperatures in summer. The ideal temperature for optimal growth is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningCatmint 'Pink Cat' benefits from pruning to promote bushier growth and to maintain a neat appearance. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring, cutting back the plant by about one-third to encourage new growth. Additionally, after the first flush of blooms fades, deadheading or lightly pruning the plant can stimulate a second round of flowering. It's typically not necessary to prune more than twice a year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCatmint 'Pink Cat' thrives best in well-draining soil with a loamy or sandy texture, enriched with organic matter. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant, providing a slightly acidic to neutral environment. A good soil mix recipe could include equal parts garden soil, coarse sand, and compost or well-rotted manure to ensure fertility and adequate drainage.
RepottingCatmint 'Pink Cat' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it outgrows its current container. The best time to repot is in the spring, just before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingCatmint 'Pink Cat' prefers average ambient humidity and can tolerate dry conditions. It does not have specific high humidity requirements, making it suitable for typical household humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleNepeta nervosa 'Pink Cat', commonly known as 'Pink Cat' Nepeta, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and exposed to full sun or partial shade, will germinate. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system before sending up shoots, which mature into a clumping perennial herb with aromatic foliage. The plant soon enters the vegetative stage where it produces stems and leaves, creating the framework for future blooms and photosynthesis. As it reaches maturity, 'Pink Cat' Nepeta produces spiky inflorescences of pink flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. During winter months, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, but it is capable of re-emerging from its root system come spring, hence completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Nepeta nervosa 'Pink Cat', more commonly known as the Catmint, can be effectively propagated by means of stem cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate from stem cuttings, one should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and snip off a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) section. The lower leaves are then stripped, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. This cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a moistened mixture of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring that several leaf nodes are buried in the substrate. The pot should be placed in a warm, bright place out of direct sunlight and kept consistently moist. Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks, after which the new Catmint plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
