Catmint Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'
ABOUT
Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant', commonly known as Catmint, is an herbaceous perennial that is well-loved for its charming and attractive appearance. This plant is a profuse bloomer, displaying a plethora of small, trumpet-shaped flowers that typically come in a soft, lavender-blue tone. These blooms gather in dense, spike-like inflorescences that rise above the foliage, creating a cloud of color that is quite beautiful to behold. The leaves of Catmint 'Six Hills Giant' are small and slightly heart-shaped, with a slightly fuzzy texture that is soft to the touch. They are a grayish-green color, which provides a nice contrast to the bright blooms. The foliage is fragrant when crushed or brushed against, releasing a pleasant, herby scent that is reminiscent of both mint and sage. Overall, Catmint 'Six Hills Giant' is a plant with a mounding habit that presents itself with a casual, yet orderly, appearance. The combination of its lovely flowers and fragrant, textured foliage makes it a popular choice for borders, gardens, and as an attractant for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Six Hills Giant Catmint, Giant Catmint
Common names
Nepeta x faassenii 'Six Hills Giant'.
ToxicityTo humans
Catmint is not considered to be toxic to humans. Ingesting this plant typically does not result in poisoning or serious side effects. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may exist, so it's always advisable to handle plants with care and not ingest any part of a plant unless it is known to be safe.
To pets
Catmint is generally considered to be a safe plant for pets, including cats and dogs. It should not cause serious illness if ingested. In fact, catmint can act as a mild stimulant for cats, similar to catnip, which is another member of the Nepeta genus. This can lead to temporary changes in behavior such as increased playfulness or relaxation. However, consuming large amounts might potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, as with any non-food material ingested by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender-blue
Height
3 feet [91 cm]
Spread
3 feet [91 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Eastern Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: This plant is favored by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, offering them a valuable source of nectar.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Catmint is quite hardy and can tolerate periods of drought, making it an excellent choice for dry gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Catmint requires minimal care, including occasional trimming after the first bloom to maintain its shape and encourage a second flowering.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The aromatic foliage is generally unappealing to deer and rabbits, which helps to protect the plant from browsing animals.
- Aromatic Foliage: The leaves of Catmint release a pleasant fragrance when brushed or crushed, which can add a sensory dimension to the garden.
- Long Blooming Period: Catmint offers extended flowering from late spring to autumn, which can provide lasting color and interest in the landscape.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is not particular about soil type and can thrive in a range of conditions, from full sun to light shade, making it versatile for various garden designs.
Medical Properties- Sedative: Traditionally used for its mild sedative effects, which may help alleviate stress and promote restful sleep.
- Antispasmodic: May offer relief from minor spasms and cramps.
- Carminative: Believed to aid in the reduction of gas in the digestive tract.
- Antiseptic: Contains properties that might help in preventing the growth of microorganisms.
- Anti-inflammatory: The chemical constituents in the plant may help reduce inflammation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cat attraction: Catmint is well-known for its ability to attract and stimulate cats, due to nepetalactone, a compound similar to the active ingredients in catnip.
- Natural rodent repellent: The strong scent of Catmint is believed to deter rodents, so it can be used as a natural means to protect other plants in gardens.
- Insect repellent: Gardeners often plant Catmint nearby to deter insect pests, as its strong scent is unappealing to many common garden pests.
- Erosion control: With its hardy root system, Catmint can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to land degradation.
- Companion planting: Catmint can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth of certain vegetables like tomatoes and peppers by deterring pests.
- Decorative dried flowers: The flowers of Catmint can be dried and used in floral arrangements or potpourri for their pleasant fragrance and aesthetic appeal.
- Garden aesthetics: Catmint can be used as a border plant or in mass planting for a beautiful drift of color and texture in the landscape.
- Culinary garnish: Though not commonly used in cooking, the flowers and leaves can be used as a decorative and subtly flavored garnish for some dishes.
- Photography: With its attractive blooms, Catmint can be used as a subject or backdrop in garden photography.
- Wildlife habitat: Catmint can provide shelter and nectar for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
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 referred to as 'Catmint', often symbolizes relaxation due to its sedative effects on cats, which may roll or frolic in it in a state of blissful abandon.
- Playfulness: As Catmint is famously known for its effects on felines, it is often associated with playfulness and the joy seen in cats that interact with the plant.
- Protection: Historically, Catmint has been used to ward off pests and, by extension, is often thought to symbolize protection in the garden.
- Healing: With its various herbal applications, Catmint is occasionally symbolic of healing and is thought to have medicinal properties for both humans and animals.
WaterCatmint, commonly known as 'Six Hills Giant', prefers a well-draining soil and does not like to be waterlogged. Initially, water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water to encourage a strong root system. Once established, catmint is fairly drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. During hot and dry spells, water the plant every two weeks, still aiming for 1 to 1.5 gallons each time. In cooler and wetter seasons, you may only need to water the plant once a month if rainfall is sufficient.
LightCatmint thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for 'Six Hills Giant' is in an area where it receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates, but the full sun is necessary for optimal growth and bloom.
TemperatureThe catmint 'Six Hills Giant' is hardy and adaptable, withstanding temperatures as low as -30°F and up to 90°F. However, the ideal growing temperatures for this plant are between 60°F and 70°F. It is a perennial that can survive winter months in colder climates and continue to thrive during the growing season.
PruningPruning catmint 'Six Hills Giant' encourages denser growth and more vigorous blooming. After the first flowering peak, cut back the plant by one-third to stimulate a second bloom. Typically, pruning is done twice a year: in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, and then again in midsummer after the initial flowers fade. The best time is when you notice the flowers starting to diminish.
CleaningNot needed
SoilCatmint 'Six Hills Giant' thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The best soil mix is one that combines garden soil, compost, and sharp sand to enhance drainage. A balanced soil environment will promote healthy growth and plentiful blooming for this perennial.
RepottingCatmint 'Six Hills Giant' typically does not require frequent repotting; it's often repotted when it outgrows its current container or when the soil needs refreshing. Generally, repotting every 2 to 3 years is sufficient for maintaining the health of the plant.
Humidity & MistingCatmint 'Six Hills Giant' is adaptable and does not have specific humidity requirements; it fares well in average environmental humidity levels. It is relatively drought-tolerant and prefers a drier atmosphere to a humid one, reflecting its Mediterranean origins.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For Catmint 'Six Hills Giant', ensure bright light, well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant Catmint 'Six Hills Giant' in full sun, enrich soil, water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant', commonly known as Catmint, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in spring. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by the development of foliage—soft, grey-green leaves that are highly aromatic. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing more leaves and stems and growing into a bushy form. Flowering occurs in early summer, when spikes of lavender-blue flowers rise above the foliage and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. After blooming, if the faded flowers are not deadheaded, Catmint may produce seeds that can disperse and lead to new plants, though many gardeners propagate through division or cuttings for consistency. The plant will die back in winter, especially in colder climates, before re-sprouting from its perennial rootstock the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant', commonly known as Catmint, is often propagated through division, which is considered the most popular method due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The ideal time for division is in the early spring or early fall when the plant is not in its peak blooming phase. To propagate Catmint by division, gently dig up the plant, ensuring a good amount of root is attached to each piece. Use a sharp, clean knife or spade to divide the clump into smaller sections, each containing several shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions should then be replanted immediately, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart, and watered thoroughly to establish the new plants. This approach allows gardeners to efficiently multiply their Catmint while maintaining the health and vigor of their plants.
