Its spectacular blossoms will have your garden happily singing. This spring why not add a little mint to your garden. Catmint is both related to catnip and mint, it forms soft stems 12 to 18 inches high and has violet- blue flowers amid mounds of gray-green foliage.
Many people wonder what is the difference between catnip and catmint. While basically considered the same plant as they share many of the same characteristics, there are differences between the two species. Catnip has less ornamental value in the garden than its catmint, in addition catnip attracts cats with many of them exhibiting a naturally induced euphoria around the plant. They may nibble on it or even roll around in the foliage. This type is most suitable for “cat-friendly” gardens. If you don’t want your garden overrun with felines, plant catmint instead, which is much less attractive to them.
The catmint herb is easy to grow. These plants are good for mass planting or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent — especially for aphids and Japanese beetles. Catmint can be grown in sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil. They are even heat and drought tolerant, making them excellent plants for dry garden areas.
Basic care of catmint is easy. Water catmint plants regularly until they become well established. Mulch will help retain moisture and keep down weeds. Once plants are a few inches (8 cm.) tall, pinch them back to promote bushier growth. Catmint blooms throughout summer and fall.
Our Etsy shop offers a variety of herb and flower seeds and starting in February we will have catmint available. www.printhousedesign.com
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