Species catnip
cluster of small, white flowers and green, velvety buds, green, heart-shaped, toothed leaves

catnip

Nepeta cataria

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family. Native to Europe and Asia, it has long been prized for its medicinal properties and ability to attract cats. Commonly grown in gardens, catnip has also been used in teas and smoked for its calming effects. It is a hardy, drought-resistant plant and is easy to care for, featuring small white or pinkish flowers in mid-summer. Its leaves are fuzzy and have an intense aroma that cats simply can't resist. Catnip is incredibly adaptive, making it a great choice for any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Root Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

White with pale purple spotting Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Catnip should be watered about once a week, providing around 1 inch of water at a time. Soak the soil and allow it to dry out before watering again. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. During the hot season, catnip should be watered more often; during cooler temperatures, water less. It's important to ensure the soil has good drainage so that excess water can easily escape.

sunlight

Sunlight is an important factor in the growth and health of catnip, so it is important to provide this plant species with the right amount and timing of sunlight. Catnip should be grown in full sun for 6-8 hours per day to ensure that it is receiving enough light. If grown in partial shade, the plant may not grow well and the leaves may become limp, discolored, or stunted. Additionally, the plant should be rotated occasionally so that it does not lean towards the light source for extended periods of time. When grown indoors, near a bright window is usually sufficient.

pruning

Catnip should be pruned in late spring or early summer. Generally, you should prune back the plant's stems by 1/3, taking off the tallest stems first. This will encourage a bushier, fuller plant. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage continued flowering and help keep catnip looking tidy and attractive. If the plant becomes too large or is growing out of bounds, it can be heavily pruned back to the desired size. Catnip plants enjoy a good trimming and benefit from regular pruning.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Catnip typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

Catnip typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Hardiness Map