Kittenmint, Faassen's Catmint
nepeta racemosa
Also known as: ["Catmint","Catnip"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family, known for its aromatic foliage and lavender-blue flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Nepeta |
| Botanical Name: | Nepeta racemosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border, rock garden, or container in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering in spring; light pruning can be done throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; cut back by one-third to half after flowering to rejuvenate growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; place in dappled shade during peak summer heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Use a cactus or succulent mix; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid overwatering.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly to avoid leggy growth; stop feeding in late fall; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss blend) or sandy soil.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; mature plant in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic bag; keep soil consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness; shear back flower stalks after blooming; avoid cutting into old wood.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and promote flowering; remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or damaged stems.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold; yellowing leaves in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold; vulnerable to frost damage in winter.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; move potted plants indoors; protect from frost with row covers or cloches.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; reduced flowering in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicNepeta racemosa is non-toxic to cats. The plant contains nepetalactone, which is known to elicit a temporary behavioral response in cats, including excitement and playfulness, but it does not cause toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicNepeta racemosa is non-toxic to dogs. The plant contains nepetalactone, which can cause mild behavioral changes in some dogs, similar to the effects seen in cats, but it is not harmful.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicNepeta racemosa, commonly known as catmint, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is often used in culinary and medicinal applications due to its pleasant aroma and mild sedative properties. There are no significant toxic effects reported from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Nepeta racemosa safe for pets?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Nepeta racemosa?
A: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Does Nepeta racemosa attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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