Raceme catnip
Nepeta racemosa · Lamiaceae
📷 Kurt Stüber [1] · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant raceme catnip: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, grey-green, aromatic
- Flowering
- June to August, lilac-blue flowers in spikes
- Mature size
- 45 cm tall, compact and bushy habit
- Growth
- Fast and vigorous
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Caucasus and mountainous regions of Central Asia
- Soil type
- Well-draining, calcareous, poor to moderately fertile
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Cut back completely in autumn or very early spring before new growth starts. Hates compacted soils that block drainage and aeration.
The common mistake
Leaving dead stems on all year or pruning too late in spring: summer heat scorches it or it explodes outward.
The pro's trick
Cut it back to 10 cm from the ground in October—it'll restart compact and floriferous.
Care
Watering
Catmint loves dry to moderately moist soil. Water regularly during the first few weeks after planting, then gradually space out your watering. In summer, occasional watering is enough. Avoid excess water which promotes root rot.
Exposure and light
Place this plant in full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. It tolerates partial shade but flowers less abundantly. Avoid overly shaded and damp areas.
Soil and drainage
Catmint thrives in well-draining, light and poor soil. It tolerates chalky and sandy soil. Enrich the soil at planting with a little compost, then leave it to thrive in lean conditions. Excellent drainage is essential to prevent fungal diseases.
Pruning and tidying
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage repeat blooming. In late winter or early spring, remove dead wood and dried stems. Regular pruning rejuvenates the plant and prevents legginess.
Feeding
Catmint needs only minimal nutrients. A light application of compost in spring is more than enough. Avoid rich fertilisers which promote foliage at the expense of flowering and weaken the plant.
Pests and diseases
This plant is generally very robust. Watch out for excess moisture which can cause root rot or powdery mildew. Provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. In case of aphid infestation, a spray of water is usually sufficient.
Did you know?
Catmint belongs to the Nepeta genus, known for its appeal to cats: the crushed leaves release volatile compounds that fascinate many felines. Beyond this playful use, this plant has long been used in traditional herbal medicine for its calming properties, particularly among peoples of the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.