As members of the same genus, catmint and catnip are quite similar. Even the most shy and reticent cats will be drawn in by a sprig of catnip or a toy filled with the herbaceous plant; catmint may do the same thing.
Nepetalactone, a molecule that has structural similarities with certain feline pheromones, is what causes the lively, enthusiastic reaction that the perennial plants elicit in our feline companions. Researchers have discovered that as a protection against pests, catmint and catnip evolved to possess larger amounts of nepetalactone than other members of the mint family. Cats are attracted to the substance as bees are to honey, unlike insects and other animals. Catmint and catnip, while well-known for their cat-stimulating properties, may also liven up your landscape.
Catnip vs Catmint
Both catmint and catnip are members of the genus Nepeta, which is the mint family. Both of them have the characteristic square stems of mint plants, and they both yield spikes of small, two-lipped flowers that serve as an important source of food for pollinators. Their fragrant leaves emit a minty perfume when touched, which some find overpowering and “skunky.” Both plants grow quickly and can withstand drought. However, there are a few important differences between catmint and catnip that you should consider before deciding which to cultivate.
Catmint: What Is It?
Although there are a few varieties of catmint, the perennial plant grows in compact, somewhat spreading mounds that are often neater-looking than catnip. The gray-green leaves of catmint has a lacy appearance. These perennials provide gorgeous spikes of flowers with flowering purple, white, or pink petals for several weeks during the summer. Catmint is resilient, simple to cultivate, and doesn’t attract deer.
Nepeta subsessilis ‘Sweet Dreams,’ which sprouts pink petals with burgundy bracts, Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low,’ which blooms lavender-blue flowers, and Nepeta x faassenii ‘Six Hills Giant,’ which grows much taller than the other two types, are common varieties of catmint.
Catnip: What Is It?
Nepeta cataria, also known as catnip, is a robust perennial plant that resembles weeds. It grows 3-foot-tall drifts of gray-green leaves with a rangy spreading structure. The plant seems jagged due to the serrated margins of its leaves, which may have an oval or triangular form. The blossoms aren’t extremely spectacular, but little spikes of white flowers occur here and there between spring and autumn.
Other catnip variants besides Nepeta cataria include Nepeta citriodora, which smells like lemon, and Nepeta parnassica, which has pale pink flowers.
For cats, catmint vs. catnip
The appeal of catmint vs catnip to cats varies greatly depending on the species. Some cats appear to like both catnip and mint equally, while others seem to prefer the latter and will ignore the former.
When Planting: Catmint vs. Catnip
Of the two plants, catmint is seen to be the more decorative option for a landscape. Catmint is a more spectacular garden plant because of its purple blooms and neat form. If you’d still prefer to cultivate catnip for your cat, this plant is best maintained in an out-of-the-way spot because of its weedy look, which doesn’t fit with all garden layouts. Notably, because of its rapid growth habit, catnip is deemed invasive in many states.1. If you want to plant it in your landscape, be careful to monitor its growth to prevent it from going beyond what is allowed.
Where to Grow Catnip vs. Mint
Full light is ideal for growing both catmint and catnip. While each plant can withstand a few hours of darkness, they need around eight hours of intense sunshine in order to flourish. Growers of catmint and catnip want normal soil that drains well. In warmer climes, catnip may become a nuisance because it can withstand poor soil conditions and spread easily via reseeding. Grow catnip in a container or plant it where it’s contained rather than incorporating it into your landscape. In contrast, catmint develops in solitary clumps that are less prone to spreading or reseeding. Lower-growing cultivars, like the one above (‘Cat’s Pajamas,’ are excellent as sidewalk edging plants.
How to Plant Catnip and Mint
Local garden centers have catmint plants and catnip ($3.25, Select Seeds). Catnip is often found in the herb department, and popular perennials like purple coneflower and yarrow are frequently sold with catmint. Both plants are also available as seeds or potted plants from internet merchants.
Make sure to water your perennials after planting your catmint or catnip, particularly in hot, dry weather. Fertilizer is not necessary for catmint and catnip, particularly if the soil has been amended with compost before to planting. After catmint blooms die, deadhead them to promote new growth a few weeks later. To encourage a neater habit, trim rangy catnip stems back by half in the middle of the summer. Your cat will like the trimmings. In USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9, anticipate seeing catmint and catnip reappear every year.
Don’t Let Cats Near Young Plants
Freshly planted catmint and catnip may need additional shielding from inquisitive felines. When young plants come into contact with a playful cat’s teeth and rolling motion, they may be quickly damaged. A wire cage should be placed around immature plants until they are well established in order to prevent this. To deter cats from sleeping on and crushing the plants, another tactic is to place a few small pegs in between the stems.