The Best Lesser-Known Catmint Varieties

These classic and underused varieties bloom all season long and have few care requirements

Few perennials are as hardworking as catmint ( Nepetaspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–8 ) , which are sometimes also call catnips . While some gardeners might regard them overused by professional landscape painting designers , there is a honorable rationality for that ; they perform well and look effective for nearly the entire growing season . What may surprise you , though , is that there are many unlike species and selections within the genus that are deserving trying out in your garden . Here are a few of the most common catmints , as well as a couple of the lesser - known mintage .

Learn more :

For the Chicago Botanic Garden ’s plant trial on Nepeta cataria , fall into place here . And for more Northeast regional reports , click here .

Catmint characteristics

As tidy sum relatives , catmints all portion out some distinct features , mainly straightforward stems and some sort of scent to the leafage . These aroma can place from a fresh , minty smell to some that are frowsty , skunky , or , aboveboard , only something that a true cat can love . Yet with so many species useable , there is a catmint for about everyone . Catmints are overperformers . They flower in spring , through midsummer , and often , if tailor back , until autumn .

The most popular species and hybrids

Perhaps the most common varieties found at garden centers and nurseries are the recurrent catmints often used in aggregative plantings . Some of the best popular species areNepeta grandiflora(Zones 4–8),N. racemosa(Zones 4–8 ) , and crosses betweenN. racemosa(Zones 4–8 ) and less Nepeta cataria ( N. nepetella , Zones 4–8 ) , which are hump asN.×faassenii(Zones 4–8 ) hybrids . Their gray foliage and generally blueish or purple flower spikes are priceless in perimeter . They are excellentpollinator plantsand hardworking filler inmass planting , and they are tolerant of misfortunate soil conditions . Depending on the variety , N.×faasseniiandN. racemosaselections are also disease resistant , are get to by few pests , and are even ward off by deer .

Classic and new varieties

There are dozens of named varieties of these coinage and cross to prefer from , such as the old standbys‘Walker ’s Low ’ catmint(N.×faassenii‘Walker ’s Low ’ , Zones 4–8 ) or ‘ Six Hills Giant ’ Nepeta cataria ( N.‘Six Hills Giant ’ , Zones 4–8 ) . For a more recent introduction , turn to ‘ Cat ’s Pajamas ’ catmint ( N.‘Cat ’s Pajamas ’ , Zones 4–8 ) , which make flowers almost entirely to the ground . Its litter mate ‘ Cat ’s Meow ’ catmint ( N.×faassenii‘Cat ’s Meow ’ , Zones 4–8 ) is just as impactful when used in mass plantings .

Lesser-known catmints that you should grow

With over 250 specie , the genusNepetaoffers rummy gardeners many more choices . While many may look similar , there are a few standouts worth cite .

Siberian catmint

N. sibirica , zone 4–8

Siberian catmint ’s flowers are large and striking , but even better , its blooms are favorites of pollinator , especiallyhummingbirds . TryRHS Award of Garden Meritwinner ‘ Souvenir d’André Chaudron ’ syn . ‘ Blue Beauty ’ . This cultivar is on my must - have listing . Good garden center often carry it , but seek to buy it early in the summer so it can get constitute . Siberian Nepeta cataria does broadcast and may need some one-year corralling to keep clumps tight .

Yellow catmint

N. govaniana , Zones 4–7

While a yellow Nepeta cataria may seem off - brand for such a purple genus , this gem is worth seeking out for many reasons beyond what you initially may opine . This is a catnip that zigs when everything else zags . bloom with toothsome , pale , custard - yellow efflorescence that work well against every other people of color , this beauty explodes into bloom in former summer , just when you think your garden is shutting down for the time of year .

While yellow catnip is perhaps the most underused catmint , it ’s difficult to reference . fortunately , it come out on some specialty nursery list and is easy enough togrow from seedwhen sow in under grow lighter in February .

Short-stalked catmint

N. subsessilis , Zones 4–8

Originally native to Asia , scant - stalk catnip produces large flowers and even attractive seminal fluid head that last through the wintertime on its fuddled stems . While most catmints opt full sun , brusk - stalked catmint prefers shady , dampish spots . It ’s taller than most catmints , reaching 36 inches magniloquent . twitch shank tipswill help keep flora shorter if done in early June . swipe or cutting back will extend the flush time of year as well .

Nurseries carry a routine of bring up selections , include ‘ Blue Dreams ’ or Prelude ™ Purple ( ‘ Balprelurp ’ ) . curtly - stalked Nepeta cataria is honest for more presentation economic value than just its flowers ; the foliage is colourful in the tumble . It ’s alsodeer resistant .

How to grow catmint

Care is easy and more often than not only want a hard cutback after blooming or aChelsea Chopin other June to hold up florescence and to make a shorter plant . Nepeta cataria flourish in full sun to fond shade ( offer at least half a mean solar day of sunlight ) and do best in soil that is dry in wintertime , so right drainage is lively . These are clumping perennials and generally have no running or invasive behavior , which is welcome today .

— Matt Mattus is the author of two book : subdue the Art of Flower GardeningandMastering the Art of Vegetable Gardening . He gardens in Worcester , Massachusetts .

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