Optimal Locations for Cultivating Catmint: Specialists Reveal Top Picks for Vibrant, Aromatic Blossoms in Your Garden
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Get your hands on something truly fascinating – catmint, or Nepeta spp., a breathtaking perennial that usually blooms from late spring to late summer. I fell for this beauty a few years ago, while tending to a sun-soaked gravel garden just outside of Pienza in Italy. See that image below? All it had were silver stachys, flowering cistus, fragrant rosemary, and swirling clouds of catmint and salvia. Oh, and did I mention it was all low-maintenance? So if you're looking to add some aromatic plants to your border or pot display this year, learn where and how to grow catmint like a pro!
Where to Grow Catmint
Whether you're growing it in pots or borders, finding the right spot is crucial. These are among the longest-blooming perennials out there, but they can barely bloom if placed in the wrong spot.
Take the time to learn where to grow catmint, and you'll reap the rewards of plant health, growth, and flowering being maximized.
Growing Catmint in Containers
Catmint makes for a fantastic choice for a sunny patio. It works well in both formal and informal gardens! Give the 'Walkers Low' variety a try; it's lovely, fragrant, and low-maintenance. These perennials will thrive in sunny, sheltered yards, but remember, the right species may be hardy from zone 3 to zone 9. In cool, northern areas like New York or Chicago, place your pot in a sheltered, full-sun position. In warmer regions like Florida or Texas, give your plant a bit of shade for a few hours in the afternoon.
Remember that most catmint species originate from the Mediterranean, thriving in dry, sunny conditions. So, make sure your pot displays are situated in warm nooks. Lastly, never neglect proper drainage in your pot to ensure neither the plant nor the container hold excess water. Try using horticultural grit or perlite to create a well-draining mix in your vase.
Growing Catmint in Borders
Catmint is just what you need if you're planning a cottage garden border this year, especially when planted in drifts among other fragrant and colorful species. I personally love placing it at the front of borders, where it can spill gently onto paths or soften a planting scheme. Just make sure you provide ample sunlight in dry, well-draining soil. Avoid planting it in damp or shady spots, which can reduce the plant's potential.
Use organic mulch to help improve soil structure, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. And remember, these perennials thrive on neglect but need suitable lighting and soil conditions to truly shine.
FAQs
Can I grow catmint in damp, wet soil?
No, catmint is not a fan of damp, soggy, or moist conditions. If your yard is prone to waterlogging in spring and fall, it's best to grow catmint or other herbs in pots, which provide suitable drainage that these drought-tolerant plants prefer.
Give your catmint a good, deep watering in the first few weeks and months after planting, and it should be good to go! For more inspiration, check out our guide on gravel garden ideas to fill your plot with striking, fragrant species that can handle a bit of neglect.
Shopping Essentials
Hardy in zones 3 to 8, the 'Cat's Meow' variety will make itself at home in sunny borders or patio pots. Try the organic all-purpose plant food from Dr Earth to keep your perennials healthy during spring and summer. And for a stylish way to showcase your beloved perennials and shrubs, check out the 'Lanesborough Pot Planter' from Charlton Home.
- If you're planning to grow catmint in pots or borders, ensure you find a suitable location for it as these plants bloom best when placed in the right spot.
- catmint is an excellent choice for a sunny patio, thriving in sunny, sheltered yards and working well in both formal and informal gardens, particularly in the 'Walkers Low' variety.
