Ornamental Catmint

One of our newest garden additions, Ornamental Catmint, has been thriving recently despite the extremely hot and dry conditions. Ornamental Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is part of the same genus of plants (Nepeta) that includes catnip, well-known to pretty much any cat owner. While Ornamental Catmint has the potential to have the same effect on cats as True Catnip (Nepeta cataria), we’re growing it here at BioWorks for its ability to draw in small butterflies and other pollinators.

Ornamental Catmint has a low-growing habit and is often used as groundcover. The foliage has a silvery-green color that stands out beautifully against mulch or a layer of leaf litter. It flowers spring through fall with the tiny detailed flowers that are representative of  plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), and the plant is often simply covered in little purple blossoms.

 
Ornamental catmint is a hybrid: a cross between N. racemosa and N. nepetella. Many varieties are available; ours is called ‘Walker’s Low’. Grow catmint in full to part-shade where it has room to spread. It can be divided or grown from cuttings, but be aware that any seeds it produces will be sterile due to the hybridization. It seems to withstand dry soil very well, but will flower best with regular watering. Find Ornamental Catmint here at BioWorks in the Woodland Wildflower Garden behind the Flight Encounter Exhibit.