Catmint Nepeta × faassenii 'Crystal Cloud'
ABOUT
The Nepeta × faassenii 'Crystal Cloud', commonly known as Catmint, boasts a delicate and ornamental appearance that makes it a favorite among gardeners. This perennial plant features a mound of aromatic foliage, composed of small, heart-shaped, soft gray-green leaves that are finely textured. It often appears silvery because of its hairy texture. Gracefully arching over the foliage, the Catmint displays a profusion of flower spikes. These spikes bear tiny, trumpet-shaped flowers that exhibit a mesmerizing pale lavender or almost white hue, creating a misty effect that resembles a cloud; hence the name 'Crystal Cloud'. The flowers are neatly arranged in dense whorls that encircle the slender, upright stems, adding both vertical interest and a soft, airy feel to the plant's overall aesthetic. The bloom time of Catmint 'Crystal Cloud' is typically long, stretching from late spring to early summer, and with proper care, it can continue to provide flushes of flowers throughout the growing season, sometimes even into fall. Its flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, which adds a lively dimension to its charm. In conjunction with its blooming characteristic, the plant's foliage emits a pleasant fragrance when brushed against or crushed, which is a delightful sensory bonus. This fragrance is often appreciated in walkways or patios where the casual brush of passersby releases the scent. However, despite its name, Catmint 'Crystal Cloud' is typically not as attractive to cats as the true catnip plant, which is a closely related species. Overall, Catmint 'Crystal Cloud' brings to the garden a composed elegance, with its mounds of aromatic, silvery foliage topped with delicate, long-blooming flowers that contribute to a soft and dreamy garden ambiance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Faassen's Catmint, Ornamental Catmint
Common names
Nepeta × faassenii 'Crystal Cloud'.
ToxicityTo humans
Catmint is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting catmint. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities can occur, so it is always best to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for human consumption.
To pets
Catmint is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is often associated with its effects on cats, as they may show an excited behavior when exposed to catmint due to the compound nepetalactone. However, ingestion typically does not cause serious harm. It should be noted that while non-toxic, consuming large amounts of any plant material may lead to gastrointestinal upset in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Nepeta × faassenii 'Crystal Cloud', commonly known as Catmint, is great for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, Catmint is highly tolerant to drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: Its strong scent and taste tend to repel deer and rabbits, which can be advantageous in areas where these animals are a gardening challenge.
- Easy to grow: Catmint is known for being a hardy, low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types and conditions.
- Long blooming period: This plant produces flowers for an extended period, from early summer to early fall, providing lasting color in the garden.
- Aromatic foliage: The leaves of Catmint release a pleasant fragrance when brushed against or crushed, which can add a sensory aspect to the garden experience.
- Landscape versatility: Catmint can be used in various landscape designs, including borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover, due to its mounding habit and attractive foliage.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cat attraction: Beyond its ornamental applications, Nepeta × faassenii 'Crystal Cloud', commonly known as Catmint, can be used to attract and stimulate cats, as it has similar properties to catnip, making it a delightful treat for our feline friends.
- Tea flavoring: Catmint leaves can be dried and used to add a minty flavor to herbal teas, complementing other herbs and providing a unique aroma.
- Natural insect repellent: When crushed, the foliage of Catmint releases an aroma that can deter certain insects, and it can be planted in the garden or used in cuttings to keep pests at bay.
- Soil erosion control: Catmint, with its dense growth habit, is effective in soil erosion control, making it a practical choice for planting on slopes or areas with loose soil.
- Companion planting: Catmint is often used in companion planting strategies to enhance the growth of vegetables like tomatoes and help to ward off harmful insects.
- Culinary decoration: Fresh Catmint flowers can be used to garnish desserts and salads, adding a subtle, minty flavor and a touch of elegance to dishes.
- Potpourri ingredient: Dried leaves and flowers of Catmint can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add a calming minty fragrance to a room.
- Aromatherapy: Catmint oil, extracted from the leaves, can be used in aromatherapy to create a relaxing atmosphere due to its soothing scent.
- Dye production: Historically, parts of the Catmint plant have been used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of colors from grayish to muted green.
- Educational tool: Catmint can serve as a valuable plant in educational gardens, teaching about pollinator-friendly environments and the importance of perennial herbs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Catmint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Catmint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Relaxation – Nepeta × faassenii, commonly known as Catmint, is known to have a calming effect, making it symbolic of relaxation and peace.
- Playfulness – As Catmint is enticing to cats, causing them to roll and frolic when near the plant, it is often seen as symbolizing playfulness and joy.
- Affection – Due to the attraction cats show towards Catmint, the plant can represent affection or love, reflecting the bond between pets and their owners.
- Protection – Herbalists sometimes use Catmint in garden borders, believing it repels pests, which allows it to symbolize protection and safety.
- Healing – With its applications in traditional herbal medicine, Catmint is associated with healing and therapeutic properties.
WaterThe Catmint plant prefers to be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once every week or two, depending on environmental conditions. It is important to provide deep watering, which could mean using one to two gallons of water per plant depending on the size and maturity of the plant. Focus the water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can prevent fungal diseases. During the hottest parts of the summer, you may need to water more frequently. However, it is crucial not to overwater, as Catmint requires well-draining soil and can be susceptible to root rot with excess moisture.
LightCatmint thrives in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, but it can also tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area where it can bask in the morning sun but is somewhat protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is a great location to provide enough light for healthy growth.
TemperatureCatmint is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 90°F, making it suitable for various climates. However, the ideal temperature range for active growth is between 60°F and 70°F. Extreme temperatures on either end can cause the plant to go dormant or reduce its growth rates temporarily.
PruningPruning Catmint is important to maintain its shape and to encourage a second flush of flowers. After the first bloom, typically in late spring or early summer, cut the plant back by about a third. This will promote bushier growth and a more continuous bloom cycle. Pruning is also useful in early spring to remove any dead or damaged tissue from the previous season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Catmint (most common name of Nepeta × faassenii 'Crystal Cloud') should be light and well-draining, with a mixture of loamy garden soil, peat or compost, and sharp sand or perlite. The soil pH for Catmint should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingCatmint does not generally require frequent repotting; it should be repotted every few years or as needed when the plant outgrows its current container or the soil becomes compacted. It's best to repot in the spring as the plant resumes active growth.
Humidity & MistingCatmint prefers a dry to moderate humidity environment and is quite tolerant of varying humidity levels. It's an excellent plant for drier conditions as it does not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and space 18-24 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleNepeta × faassenii 'Crystal Cloud', commonly known as Faassen's Catmint, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, requiring well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. After germination, seedlings will establish a root system and begin to produce stems and leaves, forming a clump of grey-green foliage that is aromatic when crushed. Throughout late spring to early summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, producing tall spikes of small, lavender to white flowers that attract bees and butterflies. After blooming, if the flowers are not deadheaded, they can set seed, but as 'Crystal Cloud' is a hybrid, it is often sterile and primarily propagated through division or cuttings. In the fall, the plant will start to go dormant, with foliage dying back with the onset of cooler temperatures. It overwinters as a root system, with new growth resuming the following spring, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Catmint 'Crystal Cloud' is through stem cuttings, primarily carried out in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, gardeners take a healthy stem cutting about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, making sure it includes a few leaf nodes. The bottom leaves are removed and the cut end can optionally be dipped in a rooting hormone to facilitate growth. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least one or two nodes are buried where roots are intended to develop. The soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings are placed in a warm, indirect light environment until roots establish, after which they can be transplanted into the garden. This method is efficient because it usually results in a plant that is true to the parent in terms of its characteristics.
