Catmint , also eff as Nepeta , is a recurrent herbaceous plant that is popular amonggardenersfor its attractive foliage and beautiful prime . The plant life is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in a all-embracing range of colors , including juicy , purple , and white . One of the most vulgar questions necessitate by nurseryman is when do catmint efflorescence ?
The solvent to this question look on a variety of factor , including the specific variety of catmint , the clime in which it is grown , and the conditions in which it is plant . In general , catnip flush from late spring to early declination , with the peak flush period go on in midsummer . However , some varieties may flower sooner or later on than others , and the length of the heyday menstruation can also diverge depending on the growing conditions .
Despite these variations , catmint is a relatively loose plant to uprise and care for , making it a democratic choice for both novice and experienced gardeners . With proper maintenance and attention , catmint can provide a beautiful and long - lasting display of colorful bloom that will brighten up any garden or landscape .
Understanding Catmint
Botanical Profile
Catmint , also known as Nepeta , is a extremity of themint familyLamiaceae . It is aperennial plantthat can grow up to 3 feet marvelous and has a spreading growth habit . Catmint is known for its attractive appearance , with gray - green foliage andbeautiful flowersthat prime in a variety of colors including white , lilac , pinkish , and blue .
There are several species of Nepeta , include Nepeta cataria , Nepeta x faassenii , and Nepeta racemosa . Nepeta cataria , also experience as Nepeta cataria , is a well - get it on variety that is democratic among big cat owner . Nepeta x faassenii , also call Faassen ’s catnip , is a midget variety that is thickset and just , making it an first-class ornamental industrial plant .
Varieties and Characteristics
Catmint comes in a potpourri of condition and sizes , with dissimilar leafage and flower colors . Some pop varieties of Nepeta include :
Nepeta x faassenii ‘ Walker ’s Low ’ : This variety has lavender - blue flowersand hoar - greenish foliage . It is a compact plant that grows up to 2 feet improbable and is known for its long - hold out prime .
genus Nepeta racemosa ‘ Little Titch ’ : This nanus variety has pink flowers and compact increment habit , making it arrant for small gardens or container .
genus Nepeta racemosa ‘ Walker ’s Low ’ : This assortment haslavender - blue flowersand gray - unripe foliation . It is a low - maintenance plant that is well-off to get and produces abundant blooms .
Catmint is known for its attractive foliage , with leave that are fragrant and soft to the speck . The stems of the plant are also fragrant and can be used to make tea or as a seasoning in cooking .
In conclusion , catnip is a beautiful and various industrial plant that is complete for any garden . With its broad ambit of mixture and characteristics , there is a catmint plant life for every nurseryman .
Cultivation and Care
Planting and Growing Conditions
Catmint ( Nepeta ) is an easy - to - mature industrial plant that is drought - tolerant and favour full Dominicus to fond refinement . It grows well in hardiness zones 3 - 9 and requires well - drained soil with a pH of 6.0 - 7.5 . It can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 foundation wide , so it needs enough space to spread out .
Catmint can be implant in the priming coat or in container , build it a versatile choice for any location . It is a great addition to rock garden and herbaceous plant gardens , and it also looks beautiful when planted alongside roses .
Maintenance and Propagation
Catmint is a crushed - care plant that take regular watering , especially during the first growing season . After that , it is drought - tolerant and expect little piss . Deadheading spend salad days will encourage new growth and prolong blooming time .
Catmint can be propagated by division or cuttings . To propagate by division , fag up the flora in the bound or fall and separate the root orb into smaller section . To circularize by cutting off , take a 3 - 4 inch cutting in the summer and rootle it in moist soil .
Catmint welfare from regular applications of compost and mulch , but it does not take extra fertilizer . It is a sterile plant , so it will not become invasive .
Pests, Diseases, and Companions
Catmint is generally pest and disease - loose , but it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphid . These pests can be check with insecticidal soap or neem oil .
Catmint is a with child companion flora for roses , as it rebuff aphids and attracts pollinators such as bees , hummingbird , and butterflies . It also looks beautiful when plant alongside other perennial such as salvia and lavender .
