Catmint Nepeta racemosa 'Snowflake'
ABOUT
Nepeta racemosa 'Snowflake', commonly known as Catmint 'Snowflake', is a perennial herb that is well-regarded for its ornamental qualities. The plant features a lush mound of aromatic, green foliage, which consists of small, heart-shaped to oval leaves with a slightly jagged edge. These leaves are a soft grey-green color and have a fine, downy texture that is pleasant to the touch. During its blooming season, Catmint 'Snowflake' becomes adorned with an abundance of striking flowers. The blossoms are delicate and tubular, set in small clusters that create the appearance of fluffy snow-white spikes. These flowers are a pristine white color and offer a pleasing contrast to the subtle green of the foliage. They also have a propensity to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden, adding to the plant's charm. The entire plant exudes a subtle and refreshing scent, particularly when the leaves are bruised or brushed against, bringing an additional sensory experience to the garden. Though the scent is mild, it is enough to provide an aromatic backdrop to its planting area and can deter some garden pests. Catmint 'Snowflake' is an excellent plant for borders, rock gardens, or as a fragrant ground cover, offering a long season of visual and olfactory interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Dwarf Catmint, Snowflake Nepeta, White Catnip
Common names
Nepeta mussinii, Nepeta mussini, Nepeta racemosa var. eriocarpa, Nepeta eriocarpa, Nepeta sibirica.
ToxicityTo humans
Catmint (Nepeta racemosa 'Snowflake') is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant as it is generally considered safe. Ingesting any parts of catmint typically does not lead to any harmful consequences for humans.
To pets
Catmint (Nepeta racemosa 'Snowflake') is not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is a relative of catnip and can act as a mild stimulant for felines. If cats ingest significant quantities, they might experience mild GI upset, although this is not common. Overall, catmint does not pose serious health risks to pets and is safe in typical garden settings.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet 3 inches (0.38 meters)
Spread
2 feet 6 inches (0.76 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Nepeta racemosa 'Snowflake' is known for attracting bees and butterflies, thus promoting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good drought tolerance making it suitable for xeriscaping or dry garden areas.
- Low Maintenance: The 'Snowflake' variety requires minimal care beyond the occasional watering and cutting back.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its white flowers and green foliage, it adds visual interest to any garden.
- Rabbit and Deer Resistant: Its foliage is not typically palatable to rabbits and deer, so it's less likely to be damaged by these animals.
- Ground Cover: Due to its spreading habit, it can be used effectively as ground cover to help reduce weed growth.
- Easy to Propagate: It can be easily propagated from cuttings, making it simple to expand your garden or share with others.
Medical Properties- Antispasmodic: May be used to relieve spasms of the muscles.
- Carminative: Could be helpful in relieving flatulence.
- Diaphoretic: Sometimes used to induce perspiration.
- Sedative: Has been used to help induce relaxation and sleep.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cat Attractant: Nepeta racemosa 'Snowflake', widely known as Catmint, can be used as a natural and safe stimulant to attract and entertain domestic cats, much like its close relative catnip.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners often use Catmint as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to help deter pests and attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators, to the area.
- Aromatherapy: The gentle, calming fragrance of Catmint has been utilized in home aromatherapy to create a relaxing atmosphere, though not as extensively as essential oils.
- Culinary Uses: Despite not being widely known for its culinary applications, the leaves of Catmint can sometimes be used in small amounts to flavor some speciality dishes, similar to how one would use mint.
- Dye Production: The plant material of Catmint 'Snowflake' can be used in the production of natural dyes as part of a sustainable approach to textile coloring.
- Decorative Purposes: The delicate white flowers of Catmint can be cut and included in floral arrangements, providing a soft texture and a subtle, pleasant aroma.
- Erosion Control: Catmint is effective for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes due to its dense and robust root system.
- Garden Ground Cover: The plant's low-growing, spreading habit makes it useful as a ground cover in sunny garden spots to suppress weeds and cover bare spots.
- Creative Writing Prompt: Catmint's charming appearance and behavior around cats can inspire gardening blogs or children’s stories, utilizing it as a natural element to build narratives around.
- Photography Subject: The attractive, long-blooming nature of Catmint 'Snowflake' provides an excellent opportunity for photographers to practice macro and plant photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Catmint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Catmint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tranquility: Catmint, as Nepeta racemosa 'Snowflake' is commonly known, often symbolizes tranquility due to its calming effect on cats, which translates symbolically to bringing peace and calm to humans.
- Relaxation: The soothing fragrance and properties of catmint make it associated with relaxation and stress relief, reflecting its use in herbal medicine for similar purposes.
- Playfulness: Because of the playful behavior exhibited by cats under its influence, catmint can represent playfulness and joy.
- Friendship: Catmint is easy to grow and durable, making it a symbol for enduring friendship and the easygoing nature of companionship.
WaterCatmint 'Snowflake' prefers to be watered once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which usually means watering about once a week during active growth periods in spring and summer. The method of watering should be slow and deep, ensuring water reaches the roots rather than just wetting the surface. Each watering session should involve providing enough water to moisten the soil throughout the pot without leaving standing water, which could be around 1 to 1.5 gallons for a medium-sized plant. During the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant enters a dormant phase.
LightCatmint 'Snowflake' thrives in full sun, where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for this plant would be in a location where it benefits from morning sunlight and is protected from the harsher afternoon sun, although it can tolerate full sun all day if necessary.
TemperatureCatmint 'Snowflake' is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures; it can survive winter temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate summer temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, the plant prefers to grow in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
PruningPruning Catmint 'Snowflake' promotes bushier growth and can encourage a second bloom. It's best to prune in early spring to shape the plant and again after the first flush of flowers has faded, typically by cutting back by half. Pruning every year or every other year will keep the plant healthy and well-formed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Catmint 'Snowflake', a well-draining soil mix is crucial, composed of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to improve aeration. The ideal pH range for this perennial is between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingCatmint 'Snowflake' should be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish nutrients in the soil and accommodate root growth, best done in early spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingCatmint 'Snowflake' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the average atmospheric humidity found outdoors in its growing zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and good air circulation for indoor Catmints.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Nepeta racemosa 'Snowflake', commonly known as Snowflake catmint, begins with seed germination, which is stimulated by a period of cold stratification or naturally occurs in spring when the soil warms up. After germination, the seedlings establish themselves, producing a small rosette of leaves. As they mature, the plants develop a bushy growth habit with sturdy stems and grey-green foliage. In late spring to early summer, Snowflake catmint produces prolific blooms, characterized by small, white flowers clustered in racemes at the stem tips, attracting bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, which can be dispersed by wind or fall close to the parent plant, while some of the foliage may die back in preparation for winter dormancy, especially in colder climates. In the following spring, the perennial nature of Snowflake catmint allows it to regrow from its root system, beginning the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Nepeta racemosa 'Snowflake', commonly known as the Catmint 'Snowflake', is through stem cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 4-6 inch (approximately 10-15 cm) section just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture, ensuring at least two nodes are buried where leaves were removed. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the cutting in a location with indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, and once established, the new Catmint 'Snowflake' plants can be transplanted outdoors.
