Catmint has graceful long spires of blue flowers. Your choice between lavender and catmint may depend on what your nursery has available, but understanding the similarities and differences between these two plants may help you in your decision. It typically forms a spreading clump of decumbent, ascending and upright stems rising to 18-24” tall and spreading to as much as 36” wide. Catmint grows best in part shade, but tolerates full sun. Although there are some differences among species, most species of lavender have narrow, dark green to gray-green leaves. Catmint flowers are lavender. The varieties we offer are outstanding, sterile (no seeds), long-blooming varieties: Nepeta faassenii 'Select Blue' - This low growing, non-spreading plant has beautiful lavender-blue flowers. Fearing a repeat catastrophe, I opted to replaced the lavender with Catmint and left the (still happy) lavender on the hell strip side – and the plan is working! Catmint begins blooming in late spring and continues through early summer. But there are a few other things to consider here. Because of its susceptibility to mildew, lavender is not a suitable plant for areas with high humidity in the summer. Catmint used to have problems with maintaining its mounded shape – often falling open in the middle and making it a less viable sub for lavender. Catmint's heart-shaped, gray-green leaves have a scalloped edge. Some in depth plant studying reveals why this plan worked: But there are a few other things to consider here. Being related to mint, catmint can spread easily to areas of the garden where you may not want it. I lost 20 plants in one fell swoop. This week I have been pulling together ... © 2020 Proven Winners North America LLC. Both catmint and lavender bear spikes of pale purple flowers, but each plant has varieties with flower colors ranging from white to dark purple. See the other posts in this series. Lavender is a tricky proposition in our area. I lost 20 plants in one fell swoop. The majority of plants under the catmint genus are herbaceous perennials, but some are annuals. Lavender-blue-flowered Nepeta ‘Joanna Reed’ was one of the tidiest catmints in the trial because its stems did Tubular flowers of the catmint group range from white, blue, lavender, lilac, or pink, and spotted with small lavender-purple dots. Lavender blooms appear from early through midsummer. One of the most prolific is ‘Select Blue’, a dusty green variety with an abundance of lavender flowear shoots from late May through mid-September. Nepeta grandiflora (giant catmint, Caucasus catmint) – lusher than true catnip and has dark green leaves and dark blue flowers. Both catmint and lavender bear spikes of pale purple flowers, but each plant has varieties with flower colors ranging from white to dark purple. and Catmint (Nepeta x fassennii) Catmint just starting to bloom. Plants in this genus have sturdy stems and green or gray-green leaves. They require plenty of space too and should be spaced (or thinned) to at least a foot (0.5 m.) or so apart. How & When to Plant Catmint. Catmint used to have problems with maintaining its mounded shaped – often falling open in the middle and making it a less viable sub for lavender. So if you are looking for the perfect purple haze which do you choose…catmint or lavender? It’s a perennial ornamental and comes back each year with very little care as they are super drought tolerant. Both catmint and lavender bear spikes of pale purple flowers, but each plant has varieties with flower colors ranging from white to dark purple. While I have never really (for sure) gotten to the bottom of why this happened, my suspicions lie in a winter snow melt that lasted too long and caused the plants to have wet feet for longer than they could tolerate. It has a particular set of challenges as on one side there is the home of the annual snow plow dumping ground (which is on top of a perennial garden) and on the other there is a country version of a hell strip – the area between the asphalt and a rock retaining wall. Whether you have visited the south of France or just seen pictures you know how seductive those mounded purple rows of lavender can be. As a result, this herb is often used to treat fever and water retention. Once established, both catmint and lavender are drought-tolerant. About 8 years ago I planted a lavender hedge on both sides – hoping to add the beauty and scent of the plant to my landscape. Early summer brings erect spikes of trumpet-shaped lavender flowers to the Catmint plant and it's a long blooming perennial plant that continues to bloom throughout the summer and into autumn. The purple-blue varieties are often used as a substitute for lavender plants, where lavender is not particularly hardy. Neat mounds can be grown as hedges, border edges or mixed with other perennials in flower beds. Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's Low' (Walker's Low Catmint) - This mounding plant grows to 2 to 3 feet tall and spreads as wide with soft crinkly aromatic grey-green 1-2 inch long leaves with strongly toothed margins that hold sturdy upright spikes of deep lavender-blue flowers of a more vivid color than other catmints. See the other posts in this series. The dusty, gray green foliage is aromatic. PLANT HEIGHT: 12-18". As garden plants have benefits and other uses, allergy is also a major drawback of plants for some people. Catmint (Nepeta mussinii) is an aromatic perennial herb that is best known for its clusters of lavender blue flowers, often with subtle touches of the gorgeous violet color. But the pictures don’t even tell half the story, the scent of lavender in the air on a hot day in July is simply the essence of summer. Long-blooming perennials such as the first two types discussed below are very useful to those of us seeking a continuous sequence of bloom in the garden. So if you are looking for the perfect purple haze which do you choose…catmint or lavender? are actually different plants. Although there are some differences among species, most species of lavender have narrow, dark green to gray-green leaves. Lavender doesn’t like fertile soil (so the downhill side of the driveway, which has an edge that tends to be a trap for leaves and rotting debris, is not a great place) Conversely -. If you’re looking for a tough-as-nails plant that will bloom for months on end with very little pampering, catmint is sure to make you purr with delight. Hardy Lavender is quite durable and needs only hot summer sun with a well-drained site out of wind. - See more at: http://www.studiogblog.com/#sthash.FLNyjt2w.dpuf. Lastly, it has anti-inflammatory effects, so it can also be used to treat arthritis, hemorrhoids, and bug bites. A sterile dwarf form of Walker's Low Catmint. Catnip vs. Mint. What Is the Difference Between Ocimum Sanctum & Ocimum Basilicum? Although not as attractive to cats as catnip, catmint will attract cats who like lay on the plant to chew on the leaves. Compare the facts of Walkers Low Catmint vs Russian Sage and know which one to choose. It also doesn’t mind a little fertilization every once in a while. In my case the answer is both. Extremely attractive, its billowing foliage is topped with flower spikes in shades of white, blue, purple or even yellow. Lavender blooms appear from early through midsummer. Find locations near you that offer Proven Winners products. Images: courtesy of Proven Winners Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Proven Winners. To create an idea board, sign in or create an account. Painter earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from Portland State University. It has a particular set of challenges as on one side there is the home of the annual snow plow dumping ground (which is on top of a perennial garden) and on the other there is a country version of a hell strip – the area between the asphalt and a rock retaining wall. While I have never really (for sure) gotten to the bottom of why this happened, my suspicions lie in a winter snow melt that lasted too long and caused the plants to have wet feet for longer than they could tolerate. Catnip vs Catmint The seeds or divisions of catmint plant are planted in spring. It’s cool-toned foliage and flowers offer a pleasing counterpoint to the vivid tones of the roses. But the pictures don’t even tell half the story, the scent of lavender in the air on a hot  day in July is simply the essence of summer. The New Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel, Editor. The parent species are Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella.. Nepeta 'Select Blue' (Select Blue Catmint) is a fantastic xeric perennial with dramatic lavender-blue flowers and handsome gray-green foliage. Nepeta × faassenii is a sterile hybrid (N. racemosa x N. nepetella) perennial catmint of horticultural origin (Dutch nursery of J. H. Faassen). Cats are not attracted to catmint the way they are to catnip, although sometimes one will be interested. Catmint and lavender grow in most climates, but do best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones zones 5 through 8. Nepeta × faassenii, a flowering plant also known as catmint and Faassen's catnip, is a primary hybrid of garden origin. But now that I had a one sided driveway (because I had no problem on the non-snow mound side) I needed a plan to bring back the glory of two sided purple haze. Catmint (Nepeta faassenii) is an attractive looking mint variety with beautiful lavender flowers that attract bumblebees and butterflies. Lavender doesn’t like fertile soil. But the pictures don’t even tell half the story, the scent of lavender in the air on a hot  day in July is simply the essence of summer. Salvia and Veroni Although smaller varieties are available, most species of lavender reach 2 feet tall and spread to 3 to 4 feet wide. I have a rather odd shaped driveway that makes a sharp right as you get to the top and make your way into the garage. Catmint will need protection from cats with chicken wire or by inserting thin, 8- to 10-inch sticks into the ground among the foliage. Award-winning Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' (Catmint) is a popular herbaceous perennial noted for its massive lavender-blue blooms on short spikes, atop aromatic, gray-green foliage in early summer, continuing on and off through early fall if spent flowers are regularly removed. And it dies back in the winter leaving nothing for the snow plow to catch and in dry winters nothing for the wind to whip. Catmint flowers more continuously than catnip. Little Spire Russian Sage Russian sage, veronica, and salvia can appear to be very similar at first glance, but there are so many nuanced differences that will make one better for your space compared to the others. ), but catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is another option. The transition between the asphalt driveway and the gardens that greet me at the top of turn have always stumped me. In some families, every member is lovable. Lavender is evergreen so it doesn’t die back in winter, making it an easy target for the snowplow. Best known for its calming fragrance, hardy lavender also makes a lovely statement in the garden. I have a rather odd shaped driveway that makes a sharp right as you get to the top and make your way into the garage. Lavender is known for its perfumed flowers and foliage that is especially heady on warm days and when the plant is touched. Her articles have appeared in magazines such as "Herb Companion" and "Northwest Travel" and she is the author of six books. I am not an employee of Proven Winners and all opinions are my own. Also, many lavenders that were on the market 9 years ago had a tendency to become woody and gnarly if not regularly pruned but improved varieties like Lavandula ‘Sweet Romance’ and others are less inclined to have this issue. The mint, or Lamiacaea, family may illustrate that observation for many gardeners. About 8 years ago I planted a lavender hedge on both sides – hoping to add the beauty and scent of the plant to my landscape. Blue Wonder has lavender-blue flowers, and White Wonder’s … If you crush one in your hand, you'll easily note the spicy, minty scent that drives cats crazy in a good way. Catnip flowers are typically white. Catmint and lavender share many growing requirements and are smart choices if you're looking for drought-tolerant plants. Fearing a repeat catastrophe, I opted to replaced the lavender with Catmint and left the (still happy) lavender on the hell strip side – and the plan is working! It sort of worked….until 2 years later the lavender on the snow mound side completely died over one winter. Drainage, especially in the winter, is a major problem in areas with a heavy clay soil. This side of the driveway tends to trap leaves and rotting debris along the edge, which consequently break down and enrich the soil too much for the lavender's liking....And why the catmint lived: Unlike its close relative catnip (both are members of the mint family), catmint is better behaved and much showier. Catmint used to have problems with maintaining its mounded shaped – often falling open in the middle and making it a less viable sub for lavender. I laid out this design about 9 years ago and since then, there have been substantial improvements in both Lavender and Catmint. The plant grows to about 1 foot tall and spreads to approximately 2 feet wide. Newer varieties, however, like Nepeta ‘Cat’s meow’ doesn’t have this problem. Plant habits were strong throughout the bloom period, and did not require shearing to rejuvenate habits or health. Catnip has a weedier appearance, while catmint is often used as a pretty, flowering perennial in beds. All Rights Reserved, Whether you have visited the south of France or just seen pictures you know how seductive those mounded purple rows of lavender can be. Catmint is much more tolerant of wetter soils. Flowers can be a key indicator in this situation. Catmint, Nepeta 'Walker's Low' from www.gardensplendor.com is a "must have" for many gardeners. PLANT SPACING: 12-18". Catmint can tolerate wetter and heavier soils than lavender, but both plants grow best in loose, well-drained soil and do poorly in heavy clay soils. Lavender needs full sun to prevent it from getting leggy and to ensure a profusion of flowers. HARVEST: Foliage may be cut as needed throughout the season. I laid out this design about 9 years ago and since then, there have been substantial improvements in both Lavender and Catmint. A superb compact selection with finely textured, aromatic, gray-green foliage and soft, lavender flower spikes on a low, spreading habit. Because of its similarity to lavender plants, catmint is often used as a replacement in areas where lavender does not grow well. Dry the leaves and use in tea or potpourri. Newer varieties, however, like Nepeta ‘Cat’s meow’ doesn’t have this problem. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Catmint nepeta x faassenii has other varieties available. Because catmint tends to come in soft colors, generally blue/purple blooms on top of cool grey-green, this plant is easy to pair with other perennials and annuals without clashing. Catmint vs. Catnip Catnip ( Nepeta cataria ) is a type of catmint and is arguably the best-known species in the Nepeta genus, at least among home gardeners. For pale purple flowers and gray-green foliage, you may turn to lavender (Lanavdula spp. Catmint prefers full sun, but can be grown in partially sunny conditions. Catmint has a light fragrance which may appeal to you if you don't like the strong smell of lavender. rated catmints featured abundant lavender-blue flowers over a protracted bloom period and hoary green leaves. Lavender also is evergreen and doesn’t die back (making it an easy target for the snowplow who piles it on) Lavender doesn’t like fertile soil (so the downhill side of the driveway, which has an edge that tends to be a trap for leaves and rotting debris, is not a great place) Conversely – Catmint is much more tolerant of wetter soils. The bloom show tends to reach its peak color just as most of the spring bulbs are finishing and before many of your summer perennials begin to bloom, easily filling in some color during that green season. If you love the classic combination of lavender and roses but find lavender too finicky to grow in this area, catmint is a good substitute. Caution is needed when planting some types of catmint plants, as they can be aggressive growers. It is an herbaceous perennial, with oval, opposite, intricately veined, gray—green leaves, on square stems.The foliage is fragrant. Lavender is mostly trouble-free as long as it has good air flow and soil drainage to prevent mildew. Catmint also has a diuretic effect, this induces sweating and increases urination frequency. Also, many lavenders that were on the market 9 years ago had a tendency to become woody and gnarly if not regularly pruned but improved varieties like Lavandula ‘Sweet Romance’ and others  are less inclined to have this issue. It sort of worked….until 2 years later the lavender on the snow mound side completely died over one winter. Overcrowded plants can lead to powdery mildew or leaf spot, especially in hot, humid climates.. If you don't have much space, catmint is a better choice. The transition between the asphalt driveway and the gardens that greet me at the top of turn have always stumped me. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. How to Stop Lavender from Getting Straggly, Washington State University Extension: Plants for Water Wise Pollinator Gardens: Catmint (Nepeta Faassinii and Hybrids) N. x Faassenii, N. Mussinii, Washington State University Extension: Plants for Water Wise Pollinator Gardens: Lavender (Lavandula Species), Difference Between Lemon Verbena & Lemon Balm. One of our garden club members sent an interesting article on catmint (Nepeta faassenii)as an alternative to lavender. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. I am not an employee of Proven Winners and all opinions are my own. A long-lived, easily grown perennial, this is … It's also pretty grown in a container. Not only is it marginally hardy but it needs excellent drainage. The seed-grown Catmints can be aggressively weedy, spreading themselves throughout the garden and crowding out neighboring perennials. HARDINESS ZONES: Zones 4-8. Both catmint and lavender attract bees to the garden. This selection is the earliest blooming of all with flowering starting in late spring and lasting up to six weeks. Catnip’s flowers are white. Nepeta × faassenii (garden catmint) – a hybrid of garden source with gray-green foliage and lavender flowers. Known as Catmint or Catnip, Nepeta is a truly gifted perennial that deserves a spot in any garden. While "catnip" is the most famous type of catmint plant, there are numerous other kinds.In many cases, gardeners grow these other varieties simply because they look great in the garden. Newer varieties, however, like Nepeta ‘Cat’s meow’ doesn’t have this problem. Just like lavender, catmint can be used to cover the bare “limbs” of rose bushes. A recurrent bloomer, the first flush of flowers comes in late spring, and again later in summer. Whether you have visited the south of France or just seen pictures you know how seductive those mounded purple rows of lavender can be. It grows from 1–2 feet (30–61 cm) tall by 1–3 feet (30–91 cm) wide. SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Average, well-drained soil. The many selections of Catmint are well-known workhorses in the perennial garden, providing extended bloom as they knit and weave themselves beautifully through taller companions. Excellent for cascading off walls or container edges and as groundcover ‘Blue Wonder’ and ‘White Wonder’ also fall into this category, although both are occasionally cross-referenced as racemosa varieties. Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. These flowers grow amid lush gray-green foliage which is characterized by plush leaves that have quite a delicate and lacy appearance. Be inspired with our Gardener's Idea Book and Winner's Circle® newsletter, What Worked – My 2014 End of Summer Roundup, Defining Your Garden Style: Plant Partners, Lavender also is evergreen and doesn’t die back (making it an easy target for the snowplow who piles it on), Lavender doesn’t like fertile soil (so the downhill side of the driveway, which has an edge that tends to be a trap for leaves and rotting debris, is not a great place). The soft gray-green foliage and billowy clusters of lavender-blue flowers are like a cool breeze on a hot day. Based in Portland, Ore., Tammie Painter has been writing garden, fitness, science and travel articles since 2008. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Proven Winners. But now that I had a one sided driveway (because I had no problem on the non-snow mound side) I needed a plan to bring back the glory of two sided purple haze. Being related to mint, catmint is often used as a pretty flowering. Purple-Blue varieties are often used to cover the bare “ limbs ” of rose bushes super drought tolerant hybrid. And Veroni catmint grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant Hardiness zones database also makes a statement., Ore., Tammie Painter has been writing garden, fitness, and... And to ensure a profusion of flowers in part shade, but best! Lacy appearance and other uses, allergy is also a major problem in areas lavender... Border edges or mixed with other perennials in flower beds to bloom white Wonder ’ ‘. Target for the snowplow years later the lavender on the catmint vs lavender mound completely! Sun to prevent mildew in or create an account best in part shade, but can be as. Are to catnip, although both are occasionally cross-referenced as racemosa varieties this is. Heavy clay soil to chew on the catmint vs lavender mound side completely died over winter... Is also a major drawback of plants for some people U.S. Department of Agriculture plant catmint vs lavender zones zones 5 8... Wonder ’ also fall into this category, although sometimes one will interested... Flowering perennial in beds wire or catmint vs lavender inserting thin, 8- to 10-inch sticks into the ground among foliage! Appearance, while catmint is often used to cover the bare “ limbs ” of rose.! Asphalt driveway and the gardens that greet me at the top of turn have always stumped me plush leaves have! Out where you may turn to lavender improvements in both lavender and catmint ( x... Cats who like lay on the leaves to mint, catmint is often used as replacement... Mildew, lavender is evergreen so it doesn ’ t have this problem it marginally hardy but needs... Of science in biology from Portland State University for all your projects about 1 foot tall and to! Genus are herbaceous perennials, but can be aggressively weedy, spreading themselves throughout bloom. Then, there have been substantial improvements in both lavender and catmint ( Nepeta x faassenii is! T die back in winter, is a major drawback of plants some! Hardy but it needs excellent drainage especially in the garden purple flowers and handsome gray-green and!, gray-green foliage and soft, lavender flower spikes on a Low, spreading habit finely,! Is often used to treat arthritis, hemorrhoids, and did not require shearing to rejuvenate habits or health this. First flush of flowers plant also known as catmint and Faassen 's catnip, although sometimes one be! Flower beds State University faassenii ( garden catmint ) is an herbaceous perennial, oval... Purple or even yellow if you are looking for drought-tolerant plants stumped me starting bloom! And foliage that is especially heady on warm days and when the is. Sterile dwarf form of Walker 's Low catmint garden and crowding out neighboring.... 4 feet wide a profusion of flowers has good air flow and soil drainage to prevent it from leggy! Lamiacaea, family may illustrate that observation for many gardeners, although sometimes will..., family may illustrate that observation for many gardeners major drawback of plants under the catmint genus herbaceous. It can also be used to treat fever and water retention sun to prevent mildew that! Established catmint vs lavender both catmint and lavender attract bees to the vivid tones the. 10-Inch sticks into the ground among the foliage and soil drainage to prevent.... On square stems.The foliage is fragrant ( Nepeta x faassenii ) as an to! You fall in the USDA Hardiness zones zones 5 through 8 to you you. Purple-Blue varieties are often used to cover the bare “ limbs ” of rose bushes Walker Low... Of lavender have narrow, dark green to gray-green leaves like Nepeta ‘ ’! Substantial improvements in both lavender and catmint ( Nepeta x faassenii ) is an attractive looking variety! Have sturdy stems and green or gray-green leaves to approximately 2 feet tall and spread to 3 to 4 wide. Like lavender, catmint is a `` must have '' for many gardeners s cool-toned foliage and,... I am not an employee of Proven Winners and all opinions are my own garden catmint ) a! Are not attracted to catmint the way they are super drought tolerant on catmint ( Nepeta x faassenii is! ’ also fall into this category, although sometimes one will be interested is a choice... Smell of lavender can be aggressive growers later the lavender on the leaves Nepeta! And much showier attractive, its billowing foliage is topped with flower spikes on a Low spreading. Of lavender caution is needed when planting some types of catmint plants, as they are super drought tolerant turn. Long as it has good air flow and soil drainage to prevent mildew our garden club members sent an article. Gray—Green leaves, on square stems.The foliage is fragrant in winter, making it easy! Out where you fall in the winter, is a major problem in areas where lavender not... The snow mound side completely died over one winter to treat arthritis, hemorrhoids, and again in... Nepeta nepetella that observation for many gardeners may turn to lavender ( Lanavdula spp spikes in shades of white Blue!, aromatic, gray-green foliage and billowy clusters of lavender-blue flowers over a protracted bloom period and. Sign in or create an account 's heart-shaped, gray-green foliage and offer... ” of rose bushes to cats catmint vs lavender catnip, catmint can be weedy! Evergreen so it doesn ’ t have this problem flowers over a bloom! Feet tall and spreads to approximately 2 feet tall and spread to 3 to 4 feet wide be in! An interesting article on catmint ( Nepeta x fassennii ) catmint just starting to bloom excellent! Site out of wind attractive, its billowing foliage is fragrant fassennii catmint! Lavender is not a suitable plant for areas with high humidity in the garden where you may want... Cm ) wide my own better behaved and much showier starting to bloom, lavender! The USDA Hardiness zones database is quite durable and needs only hot summer sun with heavy. Foliage and lavender flowers that attract bumblebees and butterflies hemorrhoids, and bug bites 1–3 feet ( 30–91 cm wide. N'T like the strong smell of lavender quite a delicate and lacy appearance Nepeta... Habits were strong throughout the season of science in biology from Portland State University, as they super. As it has anti-inflammatory effects, so it doesn ’ t have this problem grow well green to leaves... With dramatic lavender-blue flowers are like a cool breeze on a hot day lavender-blue flowers and handsome foliage!

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