If you think that catnip is only popular with velvet paws, you are wrong. There are many species that amateur gardeners also like very much.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is more diverse than you might think. There are numerous varieties, which differ in their growth height, in the color of the leaves or in the color of the flowers. Low-growing species reach a maximum height of 20 centimeters and spread out into dense cushions. There are also species that grow more than a meter in height. Below are 10 particularly popular types of catnip.
Similarities and differences of the individual species
Vegetative Traits:
Catnip usually grows as a perennial herb. Some species achieve an almost bushy growth. There are also known species that are only annuals and therefore do not survive the winter in the bed. Catnip usually grows in width and almost resembles a ball. Occasionally there are also species that reach a height of up to 1.5 meters and then no longer grow bushy, but fall apart due to the height. The stems are always square and can be smooth or hairy. The essential oils that cats are fascinated by are common to almost all species.
Leaves:
The catnip has leaves of different sizes. Starting from a rather rounded base, the leaves appear oval to lanceolate. Depending on the type and size of the plant, the leaves appear delicate and filigree or rather coarse. There is also a difference in the color of the leaves. Most catnip species have gray-green leaves. The coloring is rather dull. Some varieties are characterized by the light green leaves. Very few catnip varieties have reddish colored leaves.
Flowers:
Catnip is a perennial flowering plant that can delight us with its blooms all summer long. The calyx is shaped like a bell. There are differences in the color of the flowers. The predominant flower colors are blue and purple. However, different flower colors such as white, yellow or orange are also known.
An overview of the 10 most popular varieties
❍ Real Catnip:
Catnip is the most common infound in our gardens. Cats also prefer this variety, which bears flowers from July to September and has a seductive scent. The perennial plants can grow up to a meter in height. But there are also low-growing forms that form dense cushions. The stems are hairy. The heart-shaped leaves have a serrated edge and are grey-green in colour. There are downy glandular hairs on the upper side. The white to light blue flowers develop in June from the spike-like inflorescences. The pleasant smell is reminiscent of lemons and mint.
By the way: Only sexually mature cats respond to catnip.
❍ Catnip Superba:
This is a small variety that has been known since the beginning of the 19th century. The plants are extremely robust and start flowering as early as April. If cut back in time, the plant will flower again and then delight with its violet cushions well into autumn. This variety is often found in rose beds and this species is also decorative in tubs. Superba is a fast grower, will tolerate prolonged drought and does best in any well drained substrate.
❍ Catnip Grog:
This variety is very similar to the catnip Superba just described. However, the flowers appear more colorful and intense with hints of blue, purple and red. This variety also blooms eagerly and attracts not only cats but also bees. The intense lemon scent is striking. The plant appears bushy in growth and quickly forms dense cushions. A pruning after the main flowering in July extends the flowering period into autumn. The catnip grog is undemanding and can also cope with dry or stony soil.
❍ Catnip Walkers Low:
Walkers Low catnip is an attractive perpetual bloomer, which attracts attention with its violet flowers. Due to the long inflorescences, this variety can also be used as a cut flower. From May, the plant spreads its intense, minty scent that attracts many insects. In the natural garden as well as a balcony plant, this variety is an eye-catcher. Colorful contrasts result with yellow or orange flowering beds. The plant is undemanding and easy to care for. It thrives very well in a sunny spot, but also tolerates partial shade.
❍ Catnip Glacial Ice:
This variety is rather subtle and reserved. The blossoms appear in a delicate shade of blue and they result in pretty arrangementspastel flowers. The foliage appears rather filigree. The plant grows bushy and up to 60 centimeters in height. Due to the bushy growth, some planting distance is desired. Otherwise, the Gletschereis catnip is easy to care for and absolutely frost hardy. Catnip is particularly attractive in the rock garden and as a companion plant to roses. The plant tolerates drought and does not need to be watered regularly.
❍ Catnip Dropmore:
This variety is still relatively new and less well known. The blue flowers appear between May and August. The heart-shaped leaves spread a pleasant scent that not only attracts cats but also insects. Dropmore is suitable as an uncomplicated beginner's plant and can not only serve as an ornament in the rose bed, but also protect the noble roses from pest infestation. The plant grows to a height of about half a meter and loves a sunny and dry location.
❍ Catnip Blue Danube:
Due to its good stability, catnip Blue Danube can also be used individually in the bed. The blue-purple flowers appear from May and after cutting back in midsummer, Blue Danube will bloom again and continue into autumn. A sunny to partially shaded location is ideal. The plant prefers to be dry and does not need to be watered regularly. Waterlogging is not tolerated.
❍ Catnip Dawn to Dusk:
This variety can grow more than a meter high and is therefore not to be overlooked in the bed. A special feature is the flower color, which ranges from a light pink to a violet-pink. By cutting back in July, the plant can be stimulated to bloom again. The intense scent is an lure for cats and insects. The plants form dense bushes and prefer sandy, loamy soil with a moderate nutrient content.
❍ Catnip Odeur Citron:
If you want to enjoy catnip but don't want to welcome the cats into your bed every day, this variety is made for you, because the intense lemony scent is something that cats tend not to like. This species has so far been found relatively rarely in the beds. The blue-violet flowers appear between June and July and, after pruning, again until September. Due to its low growth height, Odeur Citron is also suitable for planting in containers. The soil should be fresh and permeable. A sunny location promotes profuse flowering.
❍ Catnip Six Hills Giant:
This strain has been on the market for several decades and is becoming very popularestimated. The growth appears wide and bushy. Due to the intense aroma, the plant is a popular bee pasture. The growth height is about 80 centimeters. The blue-violet flowers are showy and attractive. The plant proves to be more floriferous than many species in the plant family. The location should be chosen sunny. Conventional garden soil is sufficient for cultivation. The plants must be protected from moisture.
Tip: Slugs are scared off by the scent of Six Hills Giant catnip.
| Catnip variety | Features |
|---|---|
| Real catnip | ❍ widespread ❍ flowering between July and September ❍ white to light blue flower color ❍ very attractive to cats |
| Superba | ❍ old variety ❍ particularly robust ❍ small ❍ forms dense cushions |
| Grog | ❍ colorful flowers ❍ intense lemon scent ❍ undemanding ❍ continuous bloomers |
| Walkers Low | ❍ striking violet flowers ❍ long flowering period ❍ also suitable as a cut flower ❍ good stability |
| Glacial Ice | ❍ white-blue flowers ❍ robust ❍ floriferous ❍ particularly frost hardy |
| Dropmore | ❍ rare variety ❍ long flowering period ❍ popular plant for beginners ❍ bushy growth |
| Blue Danube | ❍ upright growing ❍ long flowering period ❍ aromatic fragrance ❍ bee pasture |
| Dawn to Dusk | ❍ compact growth ❍ pink to violet flowers ❍ reblooming after pruning ❍ good stability |
| Odeur Citron | ❍ intense citrus scent ❍ rather despised by cats ❍ short stature ❍ second flowering after pruning |
| Six Hills Giant | ❍ violet flowers ❍ old variety ❍ bushy growth ❍ intense fragrance |