Pratt's Catmint Nepeta prattii
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as catmint has a lush, herbaceous appearance with a tendency to spread and form clumps. Its foliage is typically a soft, grey-green hue, characterized by heart-shaped to elliptical leaves with a slightly furry texture that adds a soft, velvety feel. The edges of the leaves bear scalloped or slightly serrated margins. Catmint flowers are tubular and typically bloom in a color palette ranging from lavender to a pastel blue, often arranged in dense whorls along the flowering stems, creating an attractive, spiked appearance. The blooms can often attract various pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding to the charm and vibrancy of the plant. This plant is not only appreciated for its ornamental look but also for its aromatic qualities. When the leaves are crushed or bruised, they release a pleasant, minty fragrance. The overall aesthetic of catmint makes it a popular choice for garden borders, rock gardens, and as a complement to other flowering perennials in a landscape design.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Pratt's Catmint
Common names
Nepeta prattii.
ToxicityTo humans
Nepeta prattii, commonly known as catmint, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning or toxic effects from ingesting or coming into contact with this plant.
To pets
Nepeta prattii, commonly known as catmint, is not known to be toxic to pets. It is actually often enjoyed by domestic cats for its mild sedative effect due to the compound nepetalactone. However, excessive consumption can potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Nepeta prattii, commonly known as catmint, adds beauty to gardens with its attractive, aromatic foliage and lavender-blue flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Catmint is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, enhancing pollination of nearby plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Catmint is highly tolerant of drought conditions once established, making it suitable for xeric and water-wise landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Catmint is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established in suitable conditions.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in garden beds.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Catmint is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, which reduces the risk of damage from wildlife browsing.
- Culinary Uses: While not as widely used as some other Nepeta species, catmint can occasionally be used as a spice or flavoring in culinary creations.
- Companion Planting: Catmint can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth of vegetable crops by attracting beneficial insects and repelling certain pests.
- Fragrant Foliage: The leaves of catmint release a pleasant fragrance when brushed against or crushed, adding sensory appeal to the garden or landscape.
- Versatility: Catmint can be grown in borders, herb gardens, rock gardens, and as ground cover, showcasing its versatility in landscape design.
Medical Properties- Antispasmodic: May help in relieving spasms of the muscles.
- Sedative: Might be used for its potential to promote calmness and reduce anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory: Could be applied to reduce inflammation in certain conditions.
- Analgesic: May be used for its possible pain-relieving effects.
- Antimicrobial: Might have properties that help in fighting certain microbial infections.
- Antioxidant: Potentially can reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insect Repellent: Nepeta prattii, commonly known as catmint, can be used to naturally repel various insects, such as mosquitoes and flies, when the leaves are crushed and rubbed onto the skin.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners sometimes plant catmint near vegetable beds to help deter pests from valuable crops due to its strong scent.
- Garden Border: The plant can be used as an ornamental edging in gardens thanks to its attractive foliage and flowers, which can create a neat border aesthetic.
- Decorative Dried Flowers: Dried catmint flowers can be used in long-lasting floral arrangements and potpourri due to their retained shape and fragrance.
- Feline Entertainment: While not medical in nature, catmint can provide entertainment and stimulation for domestic cats as many find the scent irresistible.
- Culinary Use: Sometimes the leaves of catmint are used in small quantities to add a minty flavor to salads, soups, and sauces.
- Herbal Teas: The leaves of catmint can be dried and used to make an herbal tea, which is enjoyed for its flavor rather than its medicinal properties.
- Aromatic Sachets: The dried leaves and flowers can be placed in sachets to freshen up closets and drawers with a minty fragrance.
- Erosion Control: Catmint can be used in landscaping to help control soil erosion due to its dense growth habit, especially on slopes and banks.
- Traditional Dye: The plant has been used in traditional dyeing processes to impart a natural green hue to fabrics, although this is not a common use in modern times.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Nepeta prattii, commonly known as catnip, is not traditionally used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityCatnip is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Relaxation - Nepeta Prattii is a species from the catnip (Nepeta) genus, which is known for its calming effects, particularly in cats, but also as a soothing herbal remedy for humans.
- Playfulness - Closely related to the common catnip that elicits playful behavior in cats, Nepeta Prattii might be associated with playfulness and joy.
- Affection - Given to cats as a treat, Nepeta Prattii could symbolize care and affection between the giver and the cat or as a gesture of affection between humans.
- Healing - Traditionally, plants from the Nepeta genus have been used in herbal medicine, so Nepeta Prattii might carry the symbolic meaning of healing and wellness.
WaterThe common name for Nepeta prattii is Chinese Catmint. Water this plant deeply but infrequently to mimic natural conditions, generally providing about 1 inch of water per week. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot. During the growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water more often, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry. In winter, reduce watering to prevent the plant from sitting in cold, wet soil, which could cause damage.
LightChinese Catmint prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. The best spot for it would be in an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, while being protected from the intense afternoon sun if you live in a particularly hot climate. It can tolerate some shade, but flowering will be reduced in less than full sun conditions.
TemperatureChinese Catmint thrives in a climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit without significant damage, but frost can be detrimental. Ideal growth occurs within this temperature range, but this hardy plant can survive in temperatures slightly outside of these limits.
PruningFor Chinese Catmint, pruning is essential to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Prune or pinch back the tips in early spring to promote branching and again after the first flush of flowers has faded to encourage a second bloom. The best time to prune is after the threat of frost has passed or in early spring, and again in midsummer after blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Chinese Catmint (Nepeta prattii), a well-draining soil mix is essential. Combining two parts peat or coir, one part perlite, and one part compost will achieve the right texture and nutrient balance. This plant prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH range of 7.0 to 7.5.
RepottingChinese Catmint should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Springtime is the best period for repotting this perennial herb.
Humidity & MistingChinese Catmint thrives in moderate to low humidity conditions typical of temperate climates. It does not require high humidity and is fairly adaptable to average indoor humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and well-draining soil for Chinese Catmint.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade for Chinese Catmint.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA for Chinese Catmint.
Life cycleThe life cycle of Nepeta prattii, commonly known as Pratt's catmint, begins with seed germination, occurring in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants, establishing a strong root system and vegetative growth. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing characteristic inflorescences that attract pollinators, which is vital for cross-pollination. Following pollination, Nepeta prattii sets seeds within the flowers that, once matured, are dispersed by various means, including wind or animal movement. The plant may die back in response to seasonal changes, especially in colder climates, but can also exhibit a perennial habit, regrowing from its root system in the following growing season. This cycle of growth, reproduction, and dormancy repeats annually, allowing Nepeta prattii to spread and maintain its population within its habitat.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Nepeta prattii, commonly known as catmint, is by division in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant with a garden fork, ensuring as much root system remains intact as possible. Gently tease apart the clump into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant the divided sections into well-draining soil, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to establish them. This method is beneficial as it also helps rejuvenate older plants that might be losing vigor, encouraging fresh growth and maintaining the health of the plant.
