Catmint

Fri, 07/09/2010 - 8:06am — Kathy Ormiston

Photo Credit:

Vera Kark, PADG

Botanical Name:

Nepeta x faassenil

Pronunciation:

(NEP-eh-tah ex. fah-SEEN-ee-eye)

Common Name:

Catmint

Plant Type:

Ground cover

Mature Size:

1 ft. tall and 1 1/2 - 2 ft. wide

Water Requirements:

Low: water every 3 weeks until the root ball is wet

Sun/Shade Requirements:

Full to half sun

Flower Color :

Lavender-blue

Wildlife:

Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Catmint was one of the earliest plants in the demonstration garden and it provided much needed color the first summer. Catmint is a wonderful edging plant for perennials borders. We have used it extensively in the Palo Alto Demonstration garden to visually tie the beds together. It has lovely soft grey leaves and lavender-blue flowers in the spring.

After the first set of blooms finishes we like to cut back catmint several inches to keep it from getting leggy and to encourage another set of blooms. After seven years in the garden, it might be time for us to divide this plant. This is a fun job because catmint leaves have a wonderful smell.

Be aware that some cats also love the smell of the plant and will roll their bodies in the plant and flatten it.