Stewart's Catmint Nepeta stewartiana
ABOUT
Nepeta stewartiana, commonly known as Stewart's Catmint, is a flowering plant that features an array of visually striking characteristics. This perennial herb showcases a lush, spreading habit with stems that bear an attractive grayish-green foliage. The leaves are typically heart-shaped or roughly oval, often with a delicately scalloped or slightly serrated edge, exuding a soft, pleasant fragrance when crushed or brushed against. The charm of Stewart's Catmint is further amplified during its blooming season, when it produces spires of small, tubular flowers. These blossoms are predominantly lavender to violet-blue in color, adding a splash of cool hues to gardens. The flowers are arranged in whorls along the upper part of the stems, inviting a variety of pollinators, particularly bees, to the plant. Stewart's Catmint also possesses a fine, slightly fuzzy texture, giving the plant a soft aesthetic. This texture is due to the fine hairs that cover the leaves and stems, adding to its overall robust and hardy appearance. Overall, Stewart's Catmint is a delightfully fragrant and visually appealing plant that contributes both color and texture to planting schemes. It stands out with its aromatic foliage and charming blooms, without relying on its physical stature to make an impact in a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Stewart's Catmint.
Common names
Nepeta stewartiana.
ToxicityTo humans
Nepeta stewartiana, commonly known as Pakistani catmint, does not have a widespread reputation for being toxic to humans. As with many plants, if someone has a specific sensitivity or allergy, they might experience mild discomfort or irritation. However, there is no widely known severe toxicity associated with this plant in humans. Ingestion of this plant is unlikely to cause more than gastrointestinal upset unless an individual has an allergy or underlying condition that could be exacerbated by contact or ingestion.
To pets
The Nepeta stewartiana, known as Pakistani catmint, is generally not considered toxic to pets. In fact, plants from the genus Nepeta are often enjoyed by cats for their mild, euphoria-inducing effect due to a compound called nepetalactone. However, it's always possible for individual pets to have an unusual reaction or sensitivity. Consuming large amounts of the plant might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, but there are no significant toxic effects expected for pets with this plant.
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- Attracts pollinators: Nepeta stewartiana is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Aesthetic appeal: This plant adds visual interest to gardens with its attractive foliage and flowers.
- Drought resistance: It is known for its ability to withstand dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes.
- Ease of care: It generally requires minimal maintenance, which is beneficial for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Herbaceous fragrance: The leaves and flowers of the plant emit a pleasant scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Companion planting: Nepeta stewartiana can be beneficial when planted alongside vegetables and other garden plants as it may help deter certain pests.
- Culinary uses: The leaves are sometimes used in culinary applications, adding flavor to various dishes.
- Landscape design: Can be used for borders, ground cover, or as part of a rock garden, contributing to diverse garden design.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Nepeta stewartiana has been found to possess antimicrobial properties against various pathogens.
- Antioxidant: The plant may contain compounds with antioxidant activity that help in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory: It may have anti-inflammatory effects that could help in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Anxiolytic: Some studies suggest that Nepeta species could have a mild anxiety-reducing effect.
- Diuretic: The plant might exhibit diuretic properties, helping in the excretion of excess fluids from the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nepeta stewartiana, commonly known as catmint, can be used as an ornamental plant for garden borders and rockeries, adding a splash of color with its lavender blooms.
- Insect-repelling properties of catmint may be utilized by planting it around vegetable gardens to help deter pests without resorting to chemical insecticides.
- Due to its aromatic foliage, catmint can be dried and used in potpourri mixes to impart a fresh, minty fragrance to indoor spaces.
- When planted in mass, catmint can serve as a ground cover, reducing soil erosion and suppressing weed growth with its dense foliage.
- The stems and flowers of catmint can be included in floral arrangements, providing a delicate texture and light purple coloring.
- Catmint can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, thereby enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Dried leaves of catmint might be scattered in areas where rodents are a problem as a natural deterrent, although its effectiveness may vary.
- As a natural dye, the flowers of catmint may be used to produce a light green color on wool or fabric with appropriate mordanting techniques.
- Create a cat-friendly garden space by including catmint, as it can provide enjoyment and a place to frolic for feline pets.
- When establishing a wildlife garden, incorporating catmint can serve as a nectar source for hummingbirds and various nectar-feeding insects, supporting biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiNepeta stewartiana is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityNepeta stewartiana is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Relaxation: Nepeta stewartiana, commonly known as Stewart's Catmint, is closely related to other plants in the Nepeta genus, which are known for their calming and relaxing effects on cats and sometimes even humans, symbolizing stress relief and peacefulness.
- Playfulness: Just as catmint can provoke playful behavior in cats, Stewart's Catmint represents a sense of fun and playfulness in our lives.
- Healing: Traditionally, some Nepeta species have been used for their medicinal properties to treat various ailments, hence Stewart's Catmint may symbolize healing and wellness.
- Attractiveness: Since Stewart's Catmint can attract cats and beneficial insects like bees, it carries a symbolic meaning of attractiveness and allure.
WaterCommonly known as Stewart's Catmint, Nepeta stewartiana should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, which typically means watering about once every one to two weeks, depending on the climate and soil drainage. Adjust the frequency during hot, dry periods to possibly weekly, providing about one to two gallons per plant per watering. Be cautious not to overwater, as this plant prefers drier conditions and is drought-tolerant once established.
LightStewart's Catmint thrives best in full sun to part shade. It should be placed in a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Dappled light is acceptable for the afternoon if the morning sun is strong, but too much shade can lead to sparse, leggy growth.
TemperatureFor Stewart's Catmint, the ideal temperature range is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate maximum temperatures upwards of 90 degrees Fahrenheit provided it has enough water and is not in full midday sun.
PruningStewart's Catmint benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser foliage. Prune lightly in the early spring to remove any winter-damaged stems and again after the first flush of flowers if you desire a second bloom, typically every second or third year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Stewart's Catmint, which is the common name for Nepeta stewartiana, should be well-draining and composed of a balance of loam, sand, and compost. It thrives in a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingStewart's Catmint should be repotted every 2-3 years to provide fresh soil and encourage healthy root growth.
Humidity & MistingStewart's Catmint prefers average ambient humidity and does not require any special humidity considerations; typical room humidity is adequate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For Stewart's Catmint, ensure bright indirect light and good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant Stewart's Catmint in sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleNepeta stewartiana, commonly known as Stewart’s Catmint, begins its life cycle as seeds which germinate in favorable conditions, typically in spring when the soil warms up. Seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with characteristic square stems and opposite leaves. As they mature, these perennials enter a vegetative stage, growing robustly and forming mounds of foliage. The flowering stage follows, usually in late spring or early summer, when spikes of small, lavender, tubular flowers appear, attracting bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit containing seeds, which are dispersed by various means, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant then goes into a period of dormancy during colder months, only to begin the cycle anew with the return of favorable weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Nepeta stewartiana, commonly known as Stewart's Catmint, is often propagated through the division of its roots. This method involves carefully separating the root ball into smaller sections, each containing a portion of the root system and some of the plant's crown. The best time to propagate Stewart's Catmint by division is either in the early spring as new growth begins or in the fall when the plant is starting to go dormant. To divide the plant, you dig up the entire clump and gently tease apart or cut through the roots to create new individual plants, which can then be immediately replanted into well-draining soil in a location with full sun to partial shade. Watering the new divisions thoroughly after planting helps establish them in their new locations.
