Catmint

As one of the exotic perennials of the flower world, catmint (Nepeta cataria) is very versatile and easy to grow. The dark purple flowers explode in early summer for a spectacular display that can last for quite some time.

Catmint Flowers

There are around 250 species[1] of the genus Nepeta in the Lamiaceae family, native to Asia, Europe, and Africa. Many people tend to confuse catmint with catnip. Although the two are closely linked, catnip is more pungent than catnip but has less ornamental value.

Bee On Catmint Flowers

Since this plant appears in muted colors, typically purple/blue flowers on a cool gray-green, catmint is easy to mix and match with other annuals and perennials without clashing.

Catmint Flower Plants

The root is perennial and gives off branched, erect, and square stems, two to three feet high, clad with a mealy down and quite leafy. The heart-shaped, serrated leaves are also covered with a closedown, particularly on the undersides, which are therefore entirely white, so that the entire plant has a grayish and hoary appearance as if dust had been blown on it.

Nepeta Cataria

The blooms grow on short stems in tight spirals, which are so close to the top of the stem that they nearly form a spike. The individual blooms are small, the petals 2-lipped, the upper lip straight, pale pink or whitish, covered with red spots, the anthers dark red.

If you like the classic combination of roses and lavender but find lavender too delicate to grow, catmint is an excellent substitute.

Suggested Reading: Common Flower Names

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BioExplorer.net. (2024, March 28). Catmint. Bio Explorer. https://www.bioexplorer.net/plants/flowers/catmint/.
BioExplorer.net. "Catmint" Bio Explorer, 28 March 2024, https://www.bioexplorer.net/plants/flowers/catmint/.
BioExplorer.net. "Catmint" Bio Explorer, March 28 2024. https://www.bioexplorer.net/plants/flowers/catmint/.
Key References
  • [1]“Catnip, Nepeta cataria – Wisconsin Horticulture”. Accessed October 31, 2021. Link.

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