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Catmint

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description Catmint Overview

Catmint is the common name for plants in the genus Nepeta, a group of aromatic herbaceous perennials and related plants in the mint family. Many species have gray-green leaves and spikes of small, two-lipped flowers in blue, lavender, pink, or white. Nepeta species contain nepetalactone, a volatile compound that can attract and stimulate many domestic cats, although individual cats respond differently. Catmint is widely grown in borders, rock gardens, and dry plantings, where its flowers also provide nectar for bees.

help Catmint FAQ

Is catmint the same plant as catnip?

Catmint is a common name for plants in the genus Nepeta, while catnip specifically refers to Nepeta cataria. Many ornamental catmints, such as Nepeta x faassenii, are grown mainly for gray-green foliage and blue-lavender flower spikes.

What makes catmint attractive to some cats?

The compound associated with the catnip reaction is nepetalactone, which occurs in catnip and some other Nepeta species. A cat's response is inherited and variable, so not every cat reacts to catmint.

Can catmint grow in a dry, sunny garden?

Many Nepeta cultivars perform well in full sun and well-drained soil, and established plants can tolerate short dry periods. Wet winter soil is usually a bigger problem than ordinary summer dryness, especially in heavy clay.

When does catmint bloom, and can it flower again?

Nepeta commonly flowers in early summer, and cutting back spent flower stems can encourage a second flush later in the season. Its gray-green leaves and soft blue or lavender spikes work well along paths and borders.

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