Enjoy the blooms of this low-maintenance perennial year after year.
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Catmint plant (Nepetaspp.)
is one of the prettiest low-maintenance perennials you could grow in your garden.
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Its tough as nails and thrives in sand, clay, or rocky soils.
As a member of the mint family, its pungent scent also makes it unattractive to rabbits and deer.
Fast-growing catmint is heat and drought-tolerant once established, too.
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While it can spread through self-seeding, it is not considered invasive.
Its also edible, and its leaves can be steeped to make a minty tea.
However, it will tolerate some afternoon shade.
It adapts well to many soils as long as it is well-drained.
Amend soil with compost to improve drainage.
Water
Water new plantings the first season to get them established.
Catmint typically does not need supplemental watering in subsequent years unless you are experiencing drought conditions.
Temperature And Humidity
Catmint prefers moderate temperatures and humidity.
Ideal temperatures are 55 to 85oF.
In warm climates, give it afternoon shade to protect it from hot sun.
Fertilizer
Its not necessary to fertilize catmint.
In fact, using fertilizer may cause poor flowering or plants that flop over.
If plants fall over, shear back by about a third to rejuvenate the plant.
Catnip also is aromatic, but its far less ornamental and more weedy in appearance than catmint.
It has white or pale purple flowers.
Catnip is known for having an intoxicating effect on cats, while catmint doesn’t have a strong effect.
Prune in mid-winter or early spring rather than the fall.
Pruning before dormancy may encourage the plant to send out new growth that could be damaged in winter.
you might divide catmint plants after a few years to keep them vigorous.
Newer varieties are often sterile hybrids that don’t produce viable seeds.
You canstart seeds indoorssix to eight weeks before the last frost.
Here’s what to do:
Seeds can also be sown directly into the ground using this method.
Once leaves appear, thin the seedlings out to 12 to 18 inches.
To pot, choose a 12-inch-diameter pot with drainage holes, and fill it with good quality potting mix.
Plant the catmint in the pot, then water thoroughly to establish.
Maintain consistent moisture with regular watering.
Container catmint requires more water than plants grown in the garden.
Add a layer of mulch to protect catmint growing in the ground.
Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Acclimate the plant to outdoor temperatures in spring.
Prune the plant in spring to remove dead foliage and encourage new growth.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Catmint is virtually pest and disease-free.
It can be occasionally susceptible to spider mites and powdery mildew, which can occur in humid climates.
Proper sunlight, air circulation, and watering can help prevent these problems.
To treat any pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Blue, purple, pink, or white flowers appear as spike-like clusters.
Leaves are more strongly scented than the flowers.
Plants produce more blooms in a sunny location.
Fertilizer can cause more leaf production and poor flowering.
Watch for yellowing or wilting leaves, which could indicate an issue with watering.
After the first year, these plants are drought-tolerant and don’t need supplemental watering.
Gardenpests like aphidsand spider mites can also cause yellowing leaves as they suck nutrients from the plant’s leaves.
Look for webbing or sticky residue on leaves and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Wilting Leaves
Extreme temperatures and too little water can cause catmint leaves to wilt.
Underwatering is likely due to prolongeddrought conditions.
Give the plant water as needed to provide moisture.
Good companions for catmint include roses, peonies, salvia, lambs ear, andperennial geraniums.
These perennials live for three to five years, though they can live for 10 years with proper care.
