Giant Catmint Nepeta grandiflora 'Zinser's Giant'
ABOUT
Nepeta grandiflora 'Zinser's Giant', commonly known as Giant Catmint, presents a picturesque appearance characterized by its vibrant and lush foliage. The leaves exhibit a softly textured, heart-shaped form with a slightly toothed edge, creating a delicate frill along their margins. Typically, they possess a gray-green hue that provides a soothing visual backdrop in a garden setting. Come blooming season, Giant Catmint boasts a profusion of flowers. The blossoms cluster along tall, upright spikes, presenting an eye-catching display. Each flower is tubular, marked by a spacious, open mouth that flares into a quintet of petite lobes. The color of these flowers is a striking shade of lavender-blue, a hue that is both buoyant and serene. The blossoms are rich in nectar, making the plant particularly attractive to a host of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which flutter and dance around the flowers, adding life to the plant's visual appeal. The overall aesthetic of Giant Catmint, with its graceful foliage and bountiful, brightly colored blooms, creates a calming yet vibrant presence in gardens and landscapes. It's a perennial plant that returns each year with its charming appearance, promising to add beauty and attract wildlife season after season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Giant Catmint, Caucasus Catmint, Giant Nepeta
Common names
Nepeta grandiflora 'Zinser's Giant'.
ToxicityTo humans
Catmint is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it could potentially cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large amounts.
To pets
Catmint is generally considered non-toxic to pets. In fact, it is often attractive to cats, who may enjoy rubbing against or chewing on the leaves, which can have a mild stimulant effect similar to catnip. However, if a pet were to ingest a large amount of catmint, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Nepeta grandiflora 'Zinser's Giant', commonly known as Giant Catmint, has beautiful violet-blue flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts pollinators: The plant is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which are important for the health of the ecosystem and the pollination of other plants.
- Drought-tolerance: Giant Catmint is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Easy to grow: It is considered low-maintenance and easy to cultivate in a variety of soil types, assuming there is adequate drainage and sunlight.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: The plant's aromatic foliage is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, protecting it from unwanted garden munching.
- Long blooming period: Giant Catmint typically has a lengthy blooming period from late spring to early fall, which keeps gardens colorful for an extended season.
- Edging and borders: Due to its growth habit, it is ideal for use in edging and border plantings, contributing to structured garden design.
- Fragrant foliage: The leaves are aromatic, and when brushed against or crushed, they release a pleasant fragrance, adding another sensory element to the garden.
- Companion planting: Giant Catmint functions well as a companion plant, helping to repel certain pests and insects from nearby plants with its strong scent.
- Improves soil: As with many perennials, through its root system and natural life cycle, it can help improve soil structure and fertility over time.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Flowers: The flowers of 'Catmint' can be used in salads or as a garnish for desserts to add a mild, aromatic flavor.
- Dye Production: The plant can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, giving a soft hue of color.
- Insect Repellant Sachets: Dried leaves and flowers can be put in sachets to repel moths and other insects from closets and drawers.
- Culinary Herb: Leaves can be used sparingly to impart a minty flavor in some culinary dishes.
- Companion Planting: 'Catmint' can be planted in the garden to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies while repelling pests.
- Crafting Potpourri: Dried 'Catmint' flowers and leaves can contribute an aromatic element to homemade potpourri mixes.
- Aroma Therapy: The scent of 'Catmint' can be used in aroma therapy for relaxation and to promote a sense of calm.
- Feline Entertainment: Fresh or dried 'Catmint' can be given to cats as a stimulating toy or treat.
- Natural Mulch: Dried stems and leaves can be used as a natural mulch in the garden to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Decorative Element: Fresh or dried 'Catmint' can be used in floral arrangements or wreaths for decorative purposes.
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 grandiflora, commonly known as 'Catmint', can help to symbolize relaxation or calmness due to its mild sedative effects that are particularly notable in cats but also recognized in humans through aromatherapy.
- Affection: Because cats are so drawn to and affectionate around this plant, it can represent love or fondness, signifying that one is drawn to something or someone as cats are drawn to catmint.
- Playfulness: The effect of catmint on felines, often resulting in playful behavior, means it can also be synonymous with playfulness or joy.
- Home and Garden Care: As a plant that thrives in home gardens, it symbolizes cultivation and nurturing, representing a caretaker's love and attention.
WaterGiant Catmint requires regular watering to establish a deep and extensive root system after planting. During the first growing season, water the plant deeply once a week, providing about one to two gallons depending on the size of the plant and the soil moisture levels. Once established, Giant Catmint is drought tolerant and will need less frequent watering, generally every two to three weeks if there is no significant rainfall. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot and adjust watering based on temperature and rainfall, with more water during hot, dry periods and less during cool, rainy spells.
LightGiant Catmint thrives in full sun conditions where it receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting Giant Catmint is an area that is open and unobstructed from overhead shade to ensure the plant gets ample light throughout the day. While the plant can tolerate light shade, too much shade can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
TemperatureGiant Catmint does well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a moderate climate. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit but the ideal growing conditions are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. The plant can withstand summer highs up to approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit without problems, as long as it's well-watered in periods of extreme heat.
PruningPruning Giant Catmint is essential to promote bushier growth and more vigorous flowering. Cut back the plant by one-third after the initial flush of flowers fades, usually in late spring or early summer, to encourage a second bloom period. Additionally, pruning can be done in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems from the winter and to shape the plant. Pruning may be done annually or biannually depending on the plant’s performance and desired appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGiant Catmint thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, combining garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingGiant Catmint should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil; it's best to repot in the spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingGiant Catmint prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier conditions typically found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright light, well-drained soil, moderate water.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, fairly drought tolerant.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleNepeta grandiflora 'Zinser's Giant', commonly known as Giant Catmint, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown after the last frost and germinate within 7 to 10 days. Seedlings emerge and, with adequate water and sunlight, mature into clumps of herbaceous perennials with stems that can reach up to three feet tall. As the plant grows, it develops distinctive grey-green foliage and by early to mid-summer, it produces large spikes of violet-blue flowers which are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. After blooming, if the spent flowers are not deadheaded, the plant may self-seed, generating new plants for the following season. During fall, as temperatures drop, the plant's above-ground growth dies back, though the root system remains alive to endure the winter. In spring, Giant Catmint resumes growth from its overwintered roots, completing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Nepeta grandiflora 'Zinser's Giant', commonly known as Giant Catmint, is best propagated through the division of its root clumps. The ideal time to propagate Giant Catmint is during the spring, just as the plants begin to show new growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of Catmint and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy system of roots. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were originally growing and water them thoroughly to help establish the new plants. This method allows the gardener to increase their Catmint stock while also rejuvenating older plants that may have become too large or congested.
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