Catmint
Nepeta granatensis
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
7a
USDA zone
-18°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1.5m | Max | 1m |
1m | Min | 50cm |
3 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
Catmint Overview
Nepeta granatensis is a perennial species in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows to around 1.4m high. It has an upright habit, producing vertical spikes of white blooms dotted with purple markings, these open from yellow-white buds. Foliage is aromatic, leaves are oval in shape and toothed along the margins, they measure approximately 7.5cm in length. As the name suggests, cats are attracted to this plant and will often eat the leaves or roll in the foliage. Most of the plant is edible and can be used in soups or sauces or brewed into a tea. This species is fairly drought tolerant once established, making it a great choice for dry soils.
Common problems with Catmint
Slugs, powdery mildew and leaf spot. Catmint deters most pests.
Catmint Companion Plants
Strawberries, eggplant, lettuce, sweet peppers, fennel, onions
How to harvest Catmint
Harvest leaves as flowers begin to bloom, from early summer to early autumn. Cut off the top leaves, stems, and flowers (if desired).
How to propagate Catmint
Seed
Start seeds indoors and transplant in Spring or direct sow. Sow seeds shallowly and space 30 cm apart. Germination takes 7-21 days.
Division
Divide the root ball every few years in spring or autumn, especially when the clump starts to die back in the center.
Cuttings
Make softwood cuttings in early summer.
Special features of Catmint
Attracts useful insects
The pretty flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Repels harmful insects
When combined with garlic and made into a tincture, it makes a safe insecticide for plants, deterring aphids and Japanese beetles. Combined with lavender the plant helps keep mice and rats away.
Pot plant
This herb can be grown in a container.
Drought resistant
The plants are heat and drought tolerant making them good plants for dry areas.
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Catmint
Medicinal
Medicinal
Make the leaves into a tea to help sweat out a cold, treat insomnia or to help unwind.
Edible
Catmint can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. The leaves and shoots can be added to soups and sauces. The leaves and flowers can be made into a tea.
