Catmint Nepeta 'Six Hills Gold' (v)
ABOUT
Nepeta 'Six Hills Gold' (v), commonly known as catmint, is an attractive perennial that features a vibrant display of foliage and flowers. The leaves of this plant exhibit a soft, gray-green color, which serves as an eye-catching backdrop throughout the growing season. The foliage exudes a distinct, minty fragrance when brushed against or crushed, which is a characteristic feature of this plant. During bloom time, catmint produces a profusion of flower spikes that host small, lavender-blue blossoms. These flowers are arranged in a dense, elongated cluster, giving the appearance of a hazy, blue mist hovering above the foliage. The contrast between the cool tones of the flowers and the warm-toned foliage is particularly striking and can add dimension to a garden setting. The plant has a rounded and mounded habit, with stems that can gently arch, giving it a relaxed and informal look. The texture of the plant is fine, with the delicate blooms and soft leaves creating a sense of lightness and movement. Overall, the aesthetic appeal of Nepeta 'Six Hills Gold' (v) lies in its soft-textured foliage complemented by its dreamy, swaying flower spikes, which can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden, adding both visual interest and ecological value to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Six Hills Giant Catmint, Six Hills Gold Catmint.
Common names
Nepeta x faassenii 'Six Hills Gold'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Catmint is not generally considered toxic to humans. Ingestion of this plant typically does not lead to serious poisoning. However, consuming large amounts of any plant material may cause discomfort or gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of various plant compounds.
To pets
Catmint is also known for its appeal to cats due to the presence of nepetalactone, which can cause a temporary euphoric reaction in some cats. It is not considered poisonous to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingesting Catmint may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, but it is not expected to cause serious harm or toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Nepeta 'Six Hills Gold' adds color and texture to gardens with its golden foliage and lavender-blue flowers.
- Attracts Wildlife - The plant is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination.
- Drought Tolerant - Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering and maintenance.
- Easy to Grow - It is generally easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils.
- Herbaceous Perennial - As a perennial, it returns each year, providing long-term planting benefits.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant - The plant is generally unappealing to deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens prone to these visitors.
- Culinary Use - Although you requested to exclude medical properties, the plant's leaves can be used for culinary purposes to add a mint-like flavor to dishes.
- Landscape Versatility - It's suitable for borders, herb gardens, and rock gardens, offering versatility in landscape design.
- Ground Cover - Its spreading habit makes it an effective ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Complementary Plant - Works well when planted with roses and other perennials, helping to enhance overall garden appearance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural insect repellent: Catmint 'Six Hills Gold' can be used to repel certain insects in the garden, making it a companion plant for vegetable gardens.
- In crafting homemade potpourri: The leaves and flowers of catmint 'Six Hills Gold' can be dried and used in potpourri mixtures for their pleasant aroma.
- To deter rodents: Catmint 'Six Hills Gold' is sometimes used in gardens to help deter rodents because of its strong scent.
- As a natural dye: The flowers of catmint 'Six Hills Gold' can provide a natural dye for fabrics or crafting projects.
- In relaxation sachets: Dried catmint 'Six Hills Gold' can be put into sachets to help promote relaxation and stress relief when placed under pillows or in drawers.
- As a moth deterrent: Dried catmint 'Six Hills Gold' can be hung in wardrobes or placed in drawers to deter moths from clothes.
- In themed gardens: Catmint 'Six Hills Gold' can be used to create a 'moonlight' or 'silver-foliage' themed garden due to its silver-tinted foliage.
- For ornamental edging: Because of its compact growth habit, catmint 'Six Hills Gold' can be used as ornamental edging along paths or flower beds.
- In bath bags: Dried catmint 'Six Hills Gold' can be placed in mesh bags and added to baths for a scented, relaxing experience.
- With art projects: Catmint 'Six Hills Gold' can be pressed and included in art projects, such as botanical prints or nature crafts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCatmint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCatmint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Relaxation - The Catmint 'Six Hills Gold' is associated with calming effects, similar to how catnip (a similar plant in the Nepeta genus) affects cats, leading one to think of relaxation and peace.
- Affection - As catmint often attracts cats, it can symbolize the affection and comfort found in the companionship of pets or the relationships between living beings.
- Playfulness - Just as cats exhibit playful behavior when encountering catmint plants, Catmint 'Six Hills Gold' can embody the spirit of playfulness and joy in one's surroundings.
WaterFor catmint 'Six Hills Giant', early morning watering is ideal, allowing the foliage to dry out during the day to reduce the risk of disease. Aim for deep, infrequent watering to encourage a robust root system, using about 1 gallon of water per plant each time. During active growth in spring and summer, watering once a week should be adequate, but you may need to increase this frequency during periods of drought or extreme heat. Check the soil before watering; it should be dry an inch below the surface. In cooler months, reduce watering, as the plant's water needs decrease.
LightCatmint 'Six Hills Giant' thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate some light shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. The best spot for this plant is in a location where it can enjoy unobstructed sunlight for the majority of the day, such as a south-facing garden bed.
TemperatureCatmint 'Six Hills Giant' is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures but ideally prefers a temperate climate. The plant can survive temperatures as low as 5°F and as high as 90°F, though it flourishes in the range of 60°F to 70°F. To ensure the best growth and flowering, avoid placing it in areas where temperatures regularly plummet below freezing for prolonged periods.
PruningPruning catmint 'Six Hills Giant' encourages bushier growth and can stimulate a second bloom in late summer or early fall. After the first flush of flowers fade, cut the plant back by up to one-third to promote new growth. The best time to prune is midsummer, after the initial flowering period. Pruning yearly also helps to maintain the shape and size of the plant, preventing it from becoming too leggy or sprawling.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCatmint 'Six Hills Gold' thrives in well-drained soil with a neutral-to-alkaline pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix with equal parts garden soil, coarse sand or perlite, and compost is ideal. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and improve aeration for healthy growth.
RepottingCatmint 'Six Hills Gold' does not require frequent repotting; it's typically done every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil. It's best to repot in the spring as new growth begins, using the same soil mix recommended for planting.
Humidity & MistingCatmint 'Six Hills Gold' is tolerant to a broad range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. It naturally thrives outdoors, where the humidity levels are variable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Catmint 'Six Hills Gold' near bright window; water when the soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant Catmint 'Six Hills Gold' in full sun; water deeply but infrequently.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleNepeta 'Six Hills Gold', commonly known as Catmint, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination, develops into a small seedling. This perennial plant then enters a vegetative growth phase, characterized by the proliferation of its grey-green foliage and sturdy stems. As it matures, the Catmint reaches the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of small, lavender to blue flowers that attract pollinators. After the flowering period, the plant sets seeds which can be dispersed to produce new plants. In the fall, the aerial parts of Catmint die back with the onset of colder temperatures, though the root system remains alive in a dormant state. In spring, the cycle resumes as the plant regrows from its hardy roots, leading to another season of vegetative growth and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Nepeta 'Six Hills Gold', commonly known as 'Six Hills Giant' catmint, is typically propagated by division or stem cuttings. The most popular method for this plant is by division, which is best performed in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the parent plant, ensuring you have a good clump with roots. Gently tease apart the roots to separate them into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant the divided sections at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow space for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish their root systems in their new locations. This technique maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and allows for a quick and easy way to create new plants for your garden.
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