Cats may appreciate both of these feline - friendly perennials , but there are remainder in landscape painting note value when planting catmint vs. catnip .
Part of the same genus , there ’s not a huge deviation in catmint vs.catnip . A sprig of catnip or a toy binge with the herbaceous plant is a surefire manner to catch the care of even the most reserved and aloof cat , andcatmintcan have a similar effect .
The playful , mad reaction the perennial plants pull out of our feline friends is brought on by nepetalactone , a chemical substance structurally similar to certain feline pheromones . scientist have found that Nepeta cataria and catnip develop to hold back high quantities of nepetalactone than other member ofthe mint familyas a defense mechanics againstpests . Unlike insect and other critter , cats are make to the chemical substance like bees to honey . While they ’re known for their stimulating event on felid , catmint and catnip can also add some spice to your landscaping .
Credit:(L) Carson Downing, (R) Jason Donnelly
( L ) Carson Downing , ( R ) Jason Donnelly
Catmint vs. Catnip
catnip and catnip both go to the mint family in the genusNepeta . They both have square stems that are distinctive features ofmint plant , and they produce spike of lilliputian , two - lipped blossom that are a valuablefood seed for pollinator . When touched , their redolent leave release a mint - like scent that some masses discover a little barbed and " skunky . " Both flora are tight - growing and drought - tolerant . But if you ’re wondering if you should rise catnip vs. catnip , these plants differ on several critical features .
Carson Downing
What Is Catmint?
There are a few unlike types of catmint , but in world-wide , the perennial works has a tidier appearance than catnip , growing in slightly sprawling , compact mounds . Catmint ’s leafage is hoar - greenness in color , and it has a lacy tone . For many hebdomad throughout the summer , theseperennials produce pretty spikes of flowers , blooming purple , white , or pink petal . Catmint is hardy , well-situated to grow , and deer - immune .
Common variety of catmint includeNepeta racemosa‘Walker ’s Low , ’ which flower lavender - blue flowers , Nepeta subsessilis‘Sweet Dreams , ' which spud pink petals with burgundy bracts , andNepetaxfaassenii’Six Hills Giant , ’ which also produces lavender - blue blooms but grows much taller than the other two types .
Jason Donnelly
Credit:Carson Downing
What Is Catnip?
Catnip ( Nepeta cataria ) is avigorous perennial plantwith a somewhat weedy coming into court . It has a gangly branch shape and forms 3 - foot - marvellous drifts of gray-headed - green foliage . Its leaves can be triangular or oval - shaped , and they have toothed edge that give the industrial plant a jagged appearance . humble spikes of snowy flowers come out here and there between spring and fall , but the peak are n’t very showy .
In addition toNepeta cataria , other diverseness of catnip includeNepeta citriodora , which has a lemony fragrance , andNepeta parnassica , which flower light pink flowers .
Catmint vs. Catnip for Cats
In term of catmint vs. catnip attractiveness to felid , it mostly depends on the single animal . catnip and catnip can attract equally to some Arabian tea , while others seem to opt Nepeta cataria and will choke by catmint without a 2nd glance .
Catmint vs. Catnip for Planting
From alandscape viewpoint , catmint is considered the more ornamental option of the two industrial plant . Catmint’spurple flowersand goodly shape make it a more showy garden plant . Catnip ’s scrawny appearance does n’t work with all garden style , so this works is well kept in an out - of - the - manner field if you ’d still care to grow it for your cat . Notably , catnip is considered invasive in some province due to its tendency to grow sharply . If you decide to found it in your landscape painting , keep a watchful eye on it to secure it does n’t produce out of bounds .
Where to Plant Catmint vs. Catnip
Both catmint and catnipgrow well in full sun . Each plant will tolerate a few hours of shade , but they call for about 8 hour of unmediated sunshine to expand . Catnip and Nepeta cataria grow in average , well - drain soil . Catnip will abide short soil and can reseed and spread readily , which makes it a pain in the neck in warmer mood . Plant catnip where you could keep it in boundary , or grow it in a container instead of implementing it in your landscape . Catmint , on the other manus , grows in a single clump that does n’t disseminate or reseed as easily . Lower - growing change , such as ' Cat ’s Pajamas ' shown above , work well as anedging plantalong a paseo .
How to Grow Catmint and Catnip
you may determine catnip and Nepeta cataria plants at local garden centers . Catmint is unremarkably buy in alongside popular repeated works includingpurple coneflowerandyarrow , and Nepeta cataria is often found in the herb part . you could also find both plant through on-line retailers , either as potted plant or seeds .
After implant your catmint or catnip , keep the perennials water — especially during hot , wry conditions . catnip and catnip do n’t want fertilizer , especially if you contribute compost to the soil before plant . Deadheadcatmint flowers after they evanesce to further another round of blossom a few week later . Cut rangy Nepeta cataria stem back by half their length in midsummer to promote a neater substance abuse — save the clippings ; your cat will love them . Expect Nepeta cataria and catnip to return yr after year inUSDA Hardiness zone 3 - 9 .
Keep Cats Away from Young Plants
fresh - planted catmint and catnip might involve extra protection from queer cat . The young plants can well be destroyed if exposed to a frisky felid ’s chewing and rolling . Prevent this by covering young plant life with a wire cage until they are well institute . Another trick is to add several short stakes between the stems to admonish CT from lying on and squelch the plant life .
Catmints and catnip : Which is " purrfect " for your garden?University of Minnesota Extension .
Catnip ’s chemical attractant is newfangled wrench on old syndicate custom . Florida Museum of Natural History .
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Credit: Brie Passano
