- Cutting Back Catmint in Summer. Depending on the variety, catmint plants bloom in the garden from late spring to early fall. ...
- Deadheading Catmint in Fall. You might love catmint for its prolific blooms but feel less enamored with how productively it seeds and spreads.
- Pruning Catmint After the Growing Season. ...
How do you prune a wild catmint plant?
Snip off the top one-half to two-thirds of the catmint's stems, using pruning shears, in midsummer after the plant has finished blooming and when it has recently been watered. Leave the faded flowering shoots on the plants after they finish blooming for the second time in late summer or early fall.
Can you cut back catmint in the winter?
In areas with long, cold winters, it is best to wait until the spring thaw to prune catmint because the dead growth can act as insulation against the cold. In milder climates, it's best to prune back the entire plant in autumn after the plant has gone dormant or after it has died back with the cold.
What do you do with catmint after it blooms?
In midsummer, when the plant has stopped blooming and been recently hydrated, snip off the top half to two thirds of the catmint stems with pruning shears. After the plants have finished blooming for the second time in late summer or early fall, leave the faded flowering shoots on the plants.
When do catmint plants bloom?
New catmint varieties are being introduced regularly, so the best thing to do is to shop around and read the plant description before you buy. Expect your Nepeta to start blooming in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the growing season. Deadheading or shearing your plants will give you stockier plants and a lush second bloom.
Do you cut catmint back in the winter?
In areas with long, cold winters, it is best to wait until the spring thaw to prune catmint because the dead growth can act as insulation against the cold. In milder climates, it's best to prune back the entire plant in autumn after the plant has gone dormant or after it has died back with the cold.
How much do you cut back catmint?
The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service recommends cutting back perennials such as catmint to 2 to 4 inches in height for the winter months. Shear off the entire plant using sturdy pruning shears or hedge trimmers, cutting straight across.
How do you prune a catmint plant?
0:164:18How to Cut Back Catmint in Spring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo when you cut this back the best thing to do is just come in and cut back these brown stems asMoreSo when you cut this back the best thing to do is just come in and cut back these brown stems as close to the ground as possible without cutting the new stems that are growing this year.
How do you prune catmint in spring?
After the first bloom, taller plants can flop over and become unkempt. This is a great time to shear your plant and encourage a second flush of flowers. Use a pair of disinfected pruning shears to create a tidy mound, trimming as much as half the plant's height if needed. These tough perennials will grow right back.
Do I cut back catmint in the fall?
Catmint (Nepeta) Luckily, catmint can be pruned back heavily any time of the year. In the fall, you can cut these back to as low as a few inches from the ground, but you'll have a hole in your garden until they flush back in the spring.
How do I prepare catmint for winter?
In late fall, prep your catnip for winter by trimming it back. Cut the stems down to just a few inches (8 cm.), and especially trim back any new growth so it won't get damaged in the cold. Give the plant a last, long drink of water and then don't water it over the winter.
How do I stop catmint from flopping?
0:191:05How to Keep Plants from Falling Open in the Center - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you just pinch off those tips and it sends all the growth hormones down into the rest of theMoreSo you just pinch off those tips and it sends all the growth hormones down into the rest of the plant where it triggers new branches.
Should catmint be deadheaded?
Catmint blooms throughout summer and fall. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. It can also help prevent re-seeding. Faassen's catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is sterile, however, and doesn't require deadheading.
How do you get catmint to flower?
Catmint thrives on neglect. Adding too much water, compost or fertilizer will result in lots of long, flimsy foliage with few flowers. You can divide the plants in early spring to make more catmints, but it isn't necessary. It will flower happily each year and slowly increase in size over time.
What to do with catmint after flowering?
Flowers are produced over a long period, but it's a good idea to trim them back after blooming to keep the plant neat and to encourage more to form. Once growth dies back in late autumn, cut back the dead stems before new growth appears in spring.
How do you deadhead catmint?
0:271:21How to Deadhead Nepeta (Catmint) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut it right down you're going to cut the place by about a third you'd be based within a few weeksMoreCut it right down you're going to cut the place by about a third you'd be based within a few weeks and takes you three weeks.
What is the difference between catnip and catmint?
Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is similar to catnip, but does not stimulate cats. It is a low-growing mounded plant with attractive, gray-green foliage. It's profuse blue flowers appear in early summer and again through the monsoon season. It is heat and drought tolerant once established.
How do I stop catmint from flopping?
0:191:05How to Keep Plants from Falling Open in the Center - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you just pinch off those tips and it sends all the growth hormones down into the rest of theMoreSo you just pinch off those tips and it sends all the growth hormones down into the rest of the plant where it triggers new branches.
Should catmint be deadheaded?
Catmint blooms throughout summer and fall. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. It can also help prevent re-seeding. Faassen's catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is sterile, however, and doesn't require deadheading.
How do you trim Low catmint walkers?
Prune catmint during or after flowering also to encourage new growth and possibly a second round of flowers. When it flowers in the spring and early summer, individually prune spent flowers to the ground, or cut the entire plant back by one-half to two-thirds after it is finished flowers. Discard the trimmings.
How do you take care of catmint?
Give catmint plenty of space as it tends to grow wider than tall. Although it prefers full sun, catmint will thrive with some afternoon shade. Keep new plants or transplants watered until they can fend for themselves. After that, established plantings are drought and heat tolerant.
How to trim catmint?
Shear off the entire plant using sturdy pruning shears or hedge trimmers, cutting straight across. Catmint tolerates rough treatment, so don't worry about being gentle when pruning away the stems. Place all dead stems and seed pods in a green waste bin rather than composting them. Rake up the dead, fallen foliage and seed pods from around the plants and discard them, too.
What is the name of the catmint that grows in the garden?
Several catmint varieties are grown in gardens for their dainty blue flowers and fragrant foliage, from the 3-foot-tall cultivar 'Six Hills Giant' (Nepeta x 'Six Hills Giant') to compact varieties such as 'Blue Dwarf' (Nepeta x 'Blue Dwarf').
What to use to kill bacteria on pruning shears?
Always prune plants with sharp, clean pruning shears. The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends that pruning shear blades be treated with a sanitizing solution to kill any bacteria or viruses. Household disinfectant cleaner works well for this purpose because it kills most common bacteria without corroding or damaging metal blades, unlike bleach.
Why do cats chew on plants?
Cats will roll on the plant or chew the leaves, which can damage the plant's appearance. Placing a sturdy wire cage over the plant will help protect it while still allowing it to grow to its full height. A wire cage will also help stop the catmint from flopping over, which can be an issue as the plants age.
Can cats chew catmint?
Catmint can sometimes be troubled by curious cats who are drawn to the plant's scent. Cats will roll on the plant or chew the leaves, which can damage the plant's appearance. Placing a sturdy wire cage over the plant will help protect it while still allowing it to grow to its full height. A wire cage will also help stop the catmint from flopping over, which can be an issue as the plants age.
How to get catnip to grow back?
Once the herb flowers, catnip tends to look downright scraggly. Cutting back catnip will restore the plant. Prune after the first round of blooming to encourage a second flowering prior to winter. Then, after the first frost, you can cut the plants down to 3-4 inches (8-10 cm.) in height, which will encourage new growth in the spring.
Is catnip a self-sower?
Catnip blooms and sets seeds profusely and, as such, is a rather aggressive self-sower. If you do not want catnip all over the place, it is best to prune the flowers as they begin to fade before they go to seed.
Is catnip a perennial?
Image by OllgaP. Catnip , Nepeta cataria, is a hardy perennial herb that will drive your feline friends wild. It is a no-fuss, easy-to-grow member of the mint family that requires little maintenance. What about pruning catnip plants though?
Can catnip be grown in containers?
Staying on top of catnip pruning is a great way to keep the plant in bounds. Keep in mind, however, that catnip can also be easily grown in containers too. Printer Friendly Version. This article was last updated on 02/26/19. Read more about Catnip.
Should I Prune Catnip?
Catnip will grow well in almost any soil but prefers a moderately rich loam that is well-draining. This herb prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Water young plants twice a week but as they establish, reduce watering to once a week depending upon weather conditions.
When to cut back catmint flowers?
Another option is to cut back the entire plant by half after the first flush of blooms dies back in midsummer.
When does catmint bloom?
Catmint blooms all summer long from late spring into autumn, producing hundreds of small, tubular violet-blue flowers that are clustered at the tips of its stems. The UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County recommends deadheading catmint in summer to prolong its blooming.
Why is it important to keep pruning shears sharp?
Keeping pruning shears sharp, clean and sanitary will not only help plants recover quicker after pruning but it will also help stop the spread of pathogens in the garden. Dull, nicked or pitted pruning shear blades can harbor all sorts of bacteria, viruses and fungi in their uneven surface.
How to sanitize pruning shears?
The University of Minnesota Extension recommends using household disinfectant to sanitize pruning shear blades since bleach can be very corrosive to metal. Wipe down the blades with the undiluted cleaning solution and then wipe it off after 10 minutes.
How to cut back a deadheading plant?
Cutting back the entire plant is a faster way of pruning. Shear off the entire plant to half its height using sharp pruning shears. The second flush of flowers may not match the first in terms of number, but it will brighten up late-season beds better than no flowers at all.
How to divide catmint?
If the plant needs division, dig it up using a sharp spade and split the root ball into several sections, each with an equal share of roots and stems. Transplant the divisions into a sunny or lightly shaded bed with moist, fast-draining soil. Space larger catmint varieties such as Six Hills Giant (Nepeta x 'Six Hills Giant') 3 feet apart and other standard varieties 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart.
How tall does catmint grow?
According to Missouri Botanical Garden, it grows best within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 7, where it will reach a height of 2 to 3 feet with a 2- to 3-foot width.
When does catmint bloom?
Dense and colorful flowers cover this catmint from early summer until fall. Its strong growth does not flop and grows to a broad mound throughout the growing season.
When do plants go into a lull?
Some plants may go into a summer lull after the first flush of blooms has faded. Shearing your plants back by a third or more will reenergize them for a second bloom cycle and produce lush new foliage. Even without being sheared, they will often repeat bloom, although not quite as prolifically.
What is the catmint of 2021?
2021 Perennial of the Year: ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ catmint ( Nepeta ×faassenii ). Photo by Proven Winners.
What is the best herb to use for house cats?
White with purple spotted flowers bloom in clusters at the end of stems from late spring into summer. Its leaves have been used for many years as a medicinal herb and is loved by housecats. Catnip also acts as a repellent for many garden pests including aphids and squash bugs.
Is catnip a weed?
Catnip ( Nepeta cataria) is more aromatic than catmint. Its ornamental attributes are lacking and it tends to be weedy and invasive. In the garden, it offers the most value as a culinary herb or as a repellant for certain insects, including mosquitoes, aphids and squash bugs.
When do sage trees bloom?
Typically, late spring to early summer into early fall, although some varieties bloom earlier and longer.
Can catmints grow in shade?
Although most prefer full sun, they won’t mind a bit of afternoon shade, especially when grown in hot climates. Catmint will grow in just about any type of well-drained soil. Wet or soggy sites can lead to root rot.
when to cut back catmint?
i'm loving nepeta this year - it's been blooming and fabulous for about 6 weeks, but it is now past its prime.
Comments (3)
Do it now. I cut back about half each plant a few weeks ago and am now cutting back the other half. Already have a few flowers on the area that was trimmed. I did it from back to front.
What is a catmint plant?
Landscape Uses for Catmint. Catmint is a classic choice for planting under roses. The pale colors of catmint complement most roses, and the soft, frilly foliage hides the ugly "knees" of the rose bush. Catmint is also a wonderful plant for edging, where it softens hard lines.
How big do catmints get?
Most catmints are floppy, bushy plants that mature at about 10 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide. However, there are some varieties that are more compact, and there are others that will grow 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
What is the best catmint for cats?
Catnip ( Nepeta cataria) is a type of catmint and is arguably the best-known species in the Nepeta genus, at least among home gardeners. It's not the only type of catmint that makes cats loopy, but it's your best bet if that's your goal. Catnip has similar growing and care needs to other catmint plants and matures at 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It blooms from May to September and has white flowers spotted with pale purple. Catnip is relatively cold-hardy and grows well in zones 3 to 9.
How big does a six hills giant catmint grow?
'Six Hills Giant’ Nepeta x faassenii is one of the tallest-growing Nepetas and has lavender-blue flowers. It grows up to 36 inches tall and 30 inches wide, so be sure to give it plenty of room in your garden. Nepeta subsessilis ‘Sweet Dreams' features pink flowers with burgundy bracts.
What flowers pair well with catmint?
Catmint plants will gracefully spill over walls and walkways and are great for providing contrast to spiky plants like iris and yucca. The pastel blues of many catmint flowers pair well with pink and yellow flowers, such as those of daylilies and yarrow ( Achillea ).
When does Nepeta bloom?
Expect your Nepeta to start blooming in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the growing season. Deadheading or shearing your plants will give you stockier plants and a lush second bloom.
Do catmints bloom again?
Most catmints will repeat-bloom if they are sheared back after their initial flowering. Some won’t provide much of a second show, but their foliage will be refreshed and tidied by the shearing.
What is a catmint?
Catmint is an aromatic herb that is commonly grown in the garden. It produces clusters of lavender-blue flowers amid mounds of gray-green foliage. This easily grown plant has an interesting history regarding its various uses in the landscape.
Is catnip good for cats?
Catnip is also found to be highly attractive to 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.
Does catmint need to be deadheaded?
It can also help prevent re-seeding. Faassen’s catmint ( Nepeta x faassenii) is sterile, however, and doesn’t require deadheading. Shear the plants back to half their size in fall or following harvest.
Can catmint be planted in containers?
Therefore, you may want to add some edging around them. Likewise, catmint can be planted and grown in containers.
Can catmint be grown in the sun?
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. Catmint is most often grown by seed or through division.
Is catnip the same as catmint?
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 ( Nepeta cataria) has less ornamental value in the garden than its catmint ( Nepeta mussinii) counterpart.
Is catmint a good plant for aphids?
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.
