Catmint Nepeta × faassenii
ABOUT
Nepeta × faassenii, commonly known as catmint, is an herbaceous perennial that boasts a visually appealing, rounded and mounded habit, often covered in a profusion of small, trumpet-shaped flowers. The blooms, typically soft lavender to violet in color, present themselves in dense, spike-like inflorescences that rise gracefully above the foliage, making them particularly attractive to both gardeners and pollinators alike. The foliage of catmint is also noteworthy; the leaves are small to medium in size, heart-shaped to ovate with a slightly scalloped edge. They possess a soft, gray-green hue and are covered in a fine fuzz, which not only adds to the plant's overall soft texture but also emits a pleasant, minty aroma when crushed or brushed against. This scent is one of the reasons catmint is often favored in gardens, as it can help deter certain pests while attracting beneficial insects. Overall, the catmint has a wonderfully informal appearance, making it a delightful addition to cottage-style gardens, border fronts, and herb gardens, where its gentle color palette and fragrant foliage can complement a wide variety of plantings. Its flowers and leaves together create a delicate interplay of color and texture that continues throughout its long blooming season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Faassen's Catnip, Faassen's Nepeta, Catmint.
Common names
Nepeta faassenii, Nepeta mussinii, Nepeta racemosa var. faassenii, Nepeta racemosa 'Six Hills Giant', Nepeta x faassenii 'Six Hills Giant'.
ToxicityTo humans
Catmint is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that touching or ingesting catmint poses a risk of poisoning. Therefore, there are no symptoms of poisoning associated with the plant for humans, as it is not known to be poisonous.
To pets
Catmint is commonly known to be non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Even though it is a close relative to catnip, which can cause a mild euphoric reaction in cats, catmint itself does not typically result in any adverse effects when pets come into contact with or ingest it. There is no known toxicity of catmint to pets, so there are no expected symptoms of poisoning from this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Grey-green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe, Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Nepeta × faassenii, also known as Catmint, is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care once established.
- Attracts Pollinators: This plant provides a rich source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thereby supporting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerant: Catmint is highly tolerant of drought conditions, making it an excellent choice for water-conscious gardeners and dry climates.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The aromatic foliage of Catmint is generally unattractive to deer and rabbits, thus it is less likely to be damaged by these animals.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its lavender-blue flowers and gray-green foliage, Catmint adds beauty and color to gardens, borders, and landscapes.
- Herbal Use: Although excluded from listing medicinal properties, Catmint can be used in culinary preparations, such as herbal teas, for flavor.
- Ground Cover: The prolific growth habit of Nepeta × faassenii makes it ideal for use as a ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion.
- Companion Planting: Catmint can be beneficial in a vegetable or herb garden by attracting pollinators and potentially deterring certain pests.
- Aromatic Qualities: The plant emits a pleasant scent when brushed against or crushed, which can create a fragrant environment in the garden.
- Easy Propagation: Catmint can be easily propagated from cuttings or division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings without additional cost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nepeta × faassenii, commonly known as Catmint, can be used as a filler in bouquets and flower arrangements due to its soft, gray-green foliage and delicate lavender flowers.
- Ground cover in gardens is another use for Catmint, as it can quickly spread and provide a dense carpet that suppresses weeds.
- As a companion plant, Catmint can be used to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies while potentially repelling pests like aphids and squash bugs.
- Catmint can be used to create a sensory garden experience due to its aromatic leaves when touched or crushed, offering a calming scent.
- The plant is also used to line walkways or edge borders, as it tolerates foot traffic and can create a defined structure in landscape design.
- Catmint can be planted as a deterrent along areas where rodents and deer are unwanted, as its strong scent can be a natural repellent.
- It can also serve as a natural insect repellent when the leaves are dried and placed in closets or drawers to ward off moths.
- In landscaping, Catmint can be used for erosion control on slopes or banks because it has a robust root system that helps to hold soil in place.
- The flowers of Catmint can be dried and used in craft projects, such as potpourri mixes or natural confetti.
- Catmint clippings can be scattered around the garden as a mulch to slowly decay and enrich the soil with nutrients.
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 and Peace: Nepeta × faassenii, commonly known as Catmint, is often associated with relaxation and peace due to its ability to soothe feline behaviors, thereby having a calming association for humans as well.
- Playfulness and Joy: Given its effects on cats, catmint also symbolizes playfulness and joy, reflective of the energetic and lively behavior displayed by cats under its influence.
- Friendliness: Catmint can attract feline creatures and is thought to encourage social behavior and friendliness, mirroring the welcoming nature cats exhibit when exposed to it.
- Protection: In some traditions, planting catmint in the garden is believed to protect the home from negative energies or evil spirits, akin to creating a barrier of positive energy.
- Love and Affection: Its ability to make cats affectionate and sociable is extended symbolically to express love and affection amongst people.
WaterCatmint should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Generally, aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. In hotter, drier periods, you may need to water once or twice a week to maintain soil moisture, but be careful not to overwater, as catmint prefers drier conditions. It's important to avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent disease. To encourage deep root growth, it's better to water less frequently but more thoroughly, rather than little and often.
LightCatmint thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The best spot for this plant is in an area where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, though more is preferable. Avoid placing catmint in deep shade, as this can lead to poor growth and fewer blooms. Adequate sunlight will ensure the best flowering and compact growth of the plant.
TemperatureCatmint is a hardy perennial plant that can tolerate a broad range of temperatures but thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. It is generally cold-hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8, meaning it can withstand minimum winter temperatures ranging from -40°F to 10°F. Catmint can survive short periods of higher temperatures as long as the soil is kept relatively dry and well-drained.
PruningPruning catmint is beneficial to maintain its shape and to promote a second flush of flowers. Trim it back after the first bloom, usually in late spring or early summer, to encourage bushy growth and a fresh set of flowers. Annual pruning in late fall or early spring to remove old growth can help rejuvenate the plant for the coming season. Deadheading throughout the growing season is also recommended to prolong blooming.
CleaningNot needed
SoilCatmint thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.5. The best soil mix can be created by combining garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage and fertility. Ensure to avoid heavy and wet soils as they can lead to root rot.
RepottingCatmint plants, grown in containers, should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure they have enough space to grow and to refresh the soil. They tend to be low-maintenance and may not require frequent repotting if they are thriving in their current pot.
Humidity & MistingCatmint prefers average to low humidity conditions and is quite adaptable to the typical humidity levels found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, occasional watering for indoor catmint.
Outdoor
Plant catmint in full sun, well-drained soil, Space 18-24 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleNepeta × faassenii, commonly known as Catmint or Faassen's Catnip, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in the spring when soil temperatures reach an appropriate level. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative state, where it grows stems, leaves, and a root system. The plant enters the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing spikes of small, lavender-blue flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies. After the flowering period, seeds form and are dispersed by various means, including wind and animals. Catmint is a perennial, so after seed production, the above-ground plant may die back in the fall, but its root system remains alive over winter to sprout new growth the next spring. Over time, the plant can spread and form clumps, which can be divided to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii) is by division, usually performed in early spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established Catmint plant and gently separate the root clump into smaller sections, making sure that each new piece has a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations. This method of propagation is quick and maintains the characteristics of the parent plant, allowing gardeners to expand their Catmint plantings efficiently.
