Catmint vs. Catnip: What's the Difference?

Catmint and catnip are two related plants that are often confused with each other due to their similar names and appearance. Here are the key differences between them:

Appearance: While both plants have similar-looking leaves and flowers, catnip (Nepeta cataria) has a looser, more sprawling habit than catmint (Nepeta). Catnip bears pinkish-white flowers, whereas catmint produces purple flowers that resemble certain types of lavender.

Aromatic compounds: Both plants contain aromatic compounds that give them their characteristic scents, but the types and amounts of these compounds differ. Catnip contains more of the compound nepetalactone, which is known to have a stimulating effect on cats, while catmint contains more of the compound camphor, which has a more mellow scent and is commonly used in aromatherapy.

Uses: Catnip is primarily used for its effects on cats, as the scent of nepetalactone can cause cats to become more active and playful. In contrast, catmint is used more for its ornamental and medicinal properties, as it is an attractive plant that is also used in herbal medicine for its calming properties.

Why Should I plant Catmint?

There are several reasons why you might want to plant this fragrant perennial in your garden:

Attractive appearance: The pretty blue-purple flowers and fragrant foliage make it a beautiful addition to any garden.

Low maintenance: The plant is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal care once established, making it a great choice for busy gardeners.

Pollinator-friendly: Catmint is a great plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden, which can help to improve the health of your garden ecosystem.

Deer and rabbit-resistant: While no plant is completely resistant to deer or rabbits, Nepeta is known to be less appealing to these animals due to its strong fragrance and fuzzy leaves.

Medicinal properties: The leaves and flowers have calming properties and can be used in teas, tinctures, and essential oils for a variety of health benefits.

Where to Plant Catmint

Catmint is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of conditions, but here are some general guidelines for where to plant this drought-tolerant perennial:

Sunlight: Catmint prefers full sun to partial shade, so choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Soil: It prefers well-drained soil that is not too wet, so avoid planting it in areas with heavy clay soil or poor drainage.

Space: The plant can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall and 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) wide, so give it enough space to spread out and grow without overcrowding other plants.

When to Plant Catmint

Catmint can be planted either in the spring or fall, depending on your location and climate. Here are some guidelines:

Spring: If you live in a colder climate or an area with a shorter growing season, it is best to plant catmint in the spring after the last frost date. This will give the plant enough time to establish itself before the hot summer weather arrives.

Fall: If you live in a milder climate or an area with a longer growing season, you can also plant catmint in the fall. Planting in the fall can be beneficial because cooler temperatures and increased rainfall can help the plant establish a strong root system before winter.

Container planting: If you are planting catmint in a container, you can plant it at any time of year as long as the container is kept indoors during cold winter months or moved to a protected area outdoors.

How to Plant Catmint

Here are some general guidelines for planting catmint:

Choose a location: Select a location that receives full sun to partial shade, and has well-drained soil.

Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm) and add compost or other organic matter to improve soil quality and drainage.

Dig a hole: Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.

Plant: Place the catmint plant in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil and gently tamp it down to remove air pockets.

Water the plant: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help it settle into the soil.

Landscaping with Catmint

Catmint is a versatile and attractive plant that can be used in a variety of garden designs. Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your garden:

Cottage garden: The beautiful flowers and cottage-like charm make it a perfect addition to a cottage garden. Pair it with other traditional cottage garden plants such as roses, daisies, and hollyhocks for a charming and romantic look.

Herb garden: Catmint is a member of the mint family and can be a great addition to an herb garden. Plant it alongside other herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme for a fragrant and useful garden.

Pollinator garden: Catmint is a great plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden. Use it in a pollinator garden along with other plants that are attractive to pollinators, such as coneflowers, bee balm, and butterfly weed.

Rock garden: The low-growing habit and attractive flowers make it a great plant for a rock garden. Plant it among rocks and gravel, along with other low-growing plants such as sedums and creeping thyme.

Border plant: The compact growth habit and beautiful flowers make it a great choice for a border plant. Use it to edge garden beds or walkways for a beautiful and fragrant border.

Container planting: Catmint can be grown in containers, such as pots or hanging baskets, for a beautiful and fragrant addition to your patio or balcony.

Overall, catmint is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden designs. Its beautiful flowers, low maintenance, and beneficial properties make it a great choice for any garden.

Caring for a Catmint Plant

Caring for catmint plants is relatively easy and straightforward. Here are some general guidelines:

Watering: Catmint is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers well-drained soil. Water the plant deeply once a week or more often during periods of hot and dry weather.

Fertilizing: The plant does not require a lot of fertilizer. During the first year after planting, adding a handful of compost to the base of the plant in the fall is enough. After the first year, catmint doesn't need any further fertilization.

Pruning: Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to encourage new growth and more blooms. Trim after flowering to keep plants compact and to encourage a second flowering. In the fall, cut back the entire plant to about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) above the ground to prepare it for winter.

Winter care: Catmint is a hardy plant that can survive winter temperatures, but it is a good idea to cut back the plant in the fall and mulch it to protect the roots from frost.

With proper care, your Nepeta can be a beautiful and beneficial addition to any garden.

How to Propagate

Catmint can be easily propagated through both seeds and cuttings. Here are some general guidelines:

Propagating from seeds: Collect the seeds from mature plants and plant them in a seed tray or directly in the garden in the spring or fall. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil, keep them moist, and they should germinate within a couple of weeks.

Propagating from cuttings: Take 3-4 inch (7-10 cm) long cuttings from the tips of the plant, making sure to include a node (a small bump on the stem where the leaves attach). Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of soil and perlite or vermiculite. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright but shaded location until roots have formed, usually in 2-3 weeks.

Division:

• Wait until spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing.
• Dig up the entire clump of catmint and gently separate the individual plants by pulling them apart or cutting them with a sharp knife.
• Plant each divided section in a well-draining soil mix, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
• Water the newly divided plants deeply and regularly until they become established.
• If necessary, cut back the foliage by about one-third to reduce transplant shock.
• Mulch around the plants to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pests and Diseases

Catmint is generally not bothered by pests and diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does catmint do to cats?

Catmint contains a chemical compound (nepetalactone) that can have a stimulating effect on cats. When cats smell or ingest nepetalactone, it can cause a range of behaviors, including rolling, rubbing, licking, and even jumping or running around. The effects of catmint can vary between individual cats, and some cats may not be affected by it at all. It is worth noting that the effects of catmint on cats are not harmful and in fact, can be beneficial for cats' mental and physical health by providing them with mental stimulation and exercise.

Is catnip and catmint the same?

Catnip and catmint are not the same plants, but they are closely related. Both plants belong to the genus Nepeta and have similar leaves and flowers, but catnip is a different species (Nepeta cataria) than catmint (Nepeta mussinii or Nepeta x faassenii).

Is catmint the same as lavender?

Catmint is not the same as lavender, although they may look similar because both plants have fragrant purple-blue flowers. Lavender belongs to the genus Lavandula, while catmint belongs to the genus Nepeta.

Is catmint invasive?

Catmint (Nepeta spp.) is generally not considered an invasive plant, but it can spread quickly and become aggressive under certain conditions. Some species of catmint, such as Nepeta cataria (catnip), are known to self-seed and can spread rapidly if not controlled. However, most cultivars of catmint that are sold in garden centers are not invasive and are well-behaved garden plants.

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