Pink Panther Catmint Nepeta 'Pink Panther'
ABOUT
Nepeta 'Pink Panther' is a perennial plant known for its ornamental and aromatic qualities. It features an abundance of soft pink flowers that bloom profusely and create a contrast against the green, herbaceous foliage. The leaves of the 'Pink Panther' are small, ovate to slightly heart-shaped, with edges that are softly serrated. A defining feature of these leaves is their gray-green color, which often has a fine, downy texture, lending a soft, velvety touch to the plant. This foliage emits a pleasant fragrance when brushed or crushed, a trait common in the genus to which 'Pink Panther' belongs. The plant has a bushy growth habit, forming a mound-like structure that becomes a lush backdrop for the delicate pink flowers. The blossoms themselves are small, tubular, and grouped closely together in whorls on the stems, creating a spiky appearance from a distance. These flowers cluster on spikes that rise gracefully above the foliage, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden. 'Pink Panther' is often used in garden designs for its extended blooming time and ability to provide consistent color and texture throughout the growing season. With its charming flowers and fragrant leaves, 'Pink Panther' is a favorite among gardeners looking to add a splash of color and subtle aroma to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Pink Panther Catmint, Pink Panther Nepeta
Common names
Nepeta 'Pink Panther'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Nepeta 'Pink Panther', commonly known as catmint, is generally not considered toxic to humans. Most members of the Nepeta genus are safe for human contact and ingestion in moderate amounts. However, consuming any plant in large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or other local reactions in some individuals. It is always recommended to use caution and consult with a medical professional if ingestion occurs and symptoms appear.
To pets
Catmint is known for being attractive to cats due to its nepetalactone content, a compound that affects many cats causing them to appear euphoric or very relaxed. However, it is generally not toxic to pets. In fact, it is often used in garden spaces to entertain cats. While it is not poisonous, excessive ingestion can potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals. If a pet shows any adverse symptoms after ingesting catmint, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Nepeta 'Pink Panther', commonly known as Catmint, draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects crucial for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Catmint is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant.
- Long Blooming Period: Catmint has a lengthy flowering season, providing splashes of color in the garden from late spring through fall.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: This plant is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, which helps to prevent damage and maintain the beauty of your garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Catmint adds an aesthetic appeal to the garden with its vibrant pink flowers and pleasing foliage.
- Culinary Uses: While the focus here is not on medicinal benefits, Catmint leaves can sometimes be used in culinary preparations as a herb, imparting a minty flavor to dishes.
- Scented Foliage: The leaves of the Catmint plant have a pleasant minty scent, which can add a fragrant aroma to gardens and outdoor spaces.
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 'Pink Panther', commonly known as catmint, contains nepetalactone, which is a strong attractant for cats. It can be used to create toys or areas in the garden where domestic cats can enjoy and indulge in their natural behaviors.
- Natural Pest Deterrent: While catmint attracts domestic cats, it can help repel certain insects like mosquitoes, aphids, and squash bugs, making it a good companion plant in vegetable gardens.
- Decorative Element in Crafts: Dried catmint flowers can be used to embellish wreaths, garlands, or other craft items, due to their delicate appearance and pleasant fragrance.
- Herbal Sachets: Dried catmint can be placed in cloth sachets to impart a fresh scent to linens and clothes while also deterring moths.
- Landscape Design: Catmint can be used in landscape design for its aesthetic qualities, such as its pink blooms, to create borders or low hedges.
- Enhancing Potpourri: The leaves and flowers of catmint can be added to potpourri mixtures to infuse them with a refreshing minty fragrance.
- Culinary Use: Although not as common as other herbs, the leaves of catmint can be used sparingly to add a minty flavor to some salads or drinks.
- Photography Prop: Due to its attractive flowers and foliage, catmint can serve as a subject or enhancement in garden photography.
- Garden Thematic Element: Catmint can be used in creating 'cat-friendly' garden themes, or "pet gardens," where pet owners dedicate a section solely for the enjoyment of their cats.
- Instructional Plant in Education: Catmint can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant-insect interactions, specifically how some plants can attract or repel insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Catmint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Catmint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Relaxation: Nepeta, commonly known as Catmint, is often associated with its calming and soothing properties, frequently used in gardens and in herbal medicine to promote relaxation.
- Playfulness: Catmint is famously loved by cats for its mild stimulant effect, which can lead to playful behavior, making it symbolic for lightheartedness and joy.
- Happiness: The lavender-like appearance of Nepeta 'Pink Panther' blooms can be linked to happiness and serenity, akin to the emotions evoked by the sight and scent of lavender fields.
- Friendship: With its easy-to-grow nature and spreading habit, Catmint can symbolize the growth and nurturing of relationships, akin to the growth of friendships.
- Healing: Catmint has been employed in traditional herbal remedies for its healing properties, often used to treat ailments like fever, headaches, and digestive issues, hence symbolizing health and healing.
WaterThe Pink Panther Catmint should be watered deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth. Water the plant with approximately 1 inch of water once a week during the growing season, making adjustments for rainfall or high temperatures. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. In well-drained soil, ensure that the water penetrates the soil rather than running off. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy, and during the winter months, watering may only be necessary if the weather is particularly dry.
LightPink Panther Catmint thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is in a location that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. However, the plant can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can prevent scorching.
TemperaturePink Panther Catmint prefers a temperate range between 60°F and 80°F for optimal growth. This perennial can survive temperatures as low as 30°F and can handle occasional dips below this range for short periods. It can also tolerate high temperatures up to around 90°F, but prolonged exposure to extremes outside its preferred range may stress the plant.
PruningPrune Pink Panther Catmint to encourage fuller growth and more flowering. Cut the plant back by a third after the first bloom to promote a second flush of flowers. Pruning is best done in the early spring or after the plant has finished flowering. Additionally, removing faded flowers throughout the growing season can encourage continued blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCatmint 'Pink Panther' thrives best in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level, around 6.5 to 7.5. A good mix would be equal parts garden soil, coarse sand, and compost. Ensuring good drainage while providing some organic content is key for the health of the plant.
RepottingCatmint 'Pink Panther' typically needs repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Repot in spring or early summer for the best results, which is also an ideal time for pruning to promote bushiness.
Humidity & MistingCatmint 'Pink Panther' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity. It will do well in average ambient humidity conditions typical of most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Needs full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePink Panther Catmint begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Upon sprouting, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with distinguishing features such as fuzzy, aromatic foliage and a bushy growth form. As the plant matures, it enters a vigorous growth phase during which it produces stems, leaves, and eventually flower spikes with tiny, pink, trumpet-shaped flowers. After blooming, which usually occurs from late spring to early fall, the flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects, leading to the production of seeds. These seeds can fall to the ground and go dormant over the winter, or be collected for propagation. Once the cooler temperatures of late fall and winter set in, the plant goes into a dormant stage, during which above-ground growth dies back, but the root system remains alive to regenerate the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: For the Nepeta 'Pink Panther', also commonly known as Pink Panther Catmint, the most popular method of propagation is by division. This is best done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in peak bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring a generous amount of root is included. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each new section has roots attached. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were previously growing at, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to ensure they have enough room to grow. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish their roots in the new location. Division not only helps to create new plants but can also rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous.
