Catnip ( Nepeta cataria ) is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family that is known for its intoxicating effects on Caterpillar . Its jagged , aromatic gray - green leafage and unremarkable white bloom make it easy to distinguish in the garden However , there are a couple other common garden plants that closely resemble catnip in appearing Do n’t let feel deceive you – learn how to distinguish catnip from its lookalike relatives .
Catmint
Catmint ( Nepeta ) is the plant most ofttimes confounded with Nepeta cataria due to the closemouthed botanic relationship between the two . There are over 250 Nepeta species most native to Europe and Asia . The ones typically develop in gardens are hybrids derived from Nepeta x faassenii .
Like catnip , catmint has fragrant , greyish - green leave with toothed boundary . It spring up in bushy mounds 12 - 18 inches magniloquent and wide . midget lavender - aristocratical blossom bloom on upright spikes from recent outflow until frost . The great departure between Nepeta cataria and catmint is in the flowers – catnip has modest whitish blooms while catmint has showy blue flower .
While catnip and catmint both arrest nepetalactone , the chemical that cause a euphoric response in cat , catnip curb much lower horizontal surface . So felines are typically more appeal to catnip over catmint . In the garden , catmint is the more ornamental choice with its pretty purple flower spikes . It works well in recurrent border and mixed container . Catnip can be invasive so it ’s better suited to an out - of - the - elbow room dapple .
Russian Sage
Russian sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia ) is an cosmetic perennial grown for its airy exhibit of silvery foliage and lavender - blue flower spikes . When not in bloom , its profoundly stinger , silverish leaves look similar to catnip leaves in shape . However , Russian sage lacks the distinctive serration around the foliage edge that both catnip and catmint possess .
This plant also has a more upright , vase - shaped habit liken to the shaggy-haired mounds formed by catnip and catmint . Russian sage reaches 3 - 5 feet tall and 2 - 4 feet spacious within a duet seasons . Tiny dismal flowers address retentive panicle above the foliage in mid to later summertime . The flowers have a courteous fragrance , but certainly not the funky , minty aroma exude by catnip when its leave-taking are crushed .
In the garden , use Russian sage as a backdrop plant or thriller in containers . Give it full sun and well - drained soil . Russian sage is stout in zones 5 - 10 and tolerates heating , drought , and poor soils . Prune plant back in late winter to control size and advance new growth . Unlike catmint and Nepeta cataria , Russian sage is of no pursuit to qat !
How to Tell the Difference
Here are a few key ways to distinguish catnip from its doppelganger :
prime – Catnip has small white flower spikes while Nepeta cataria and Russian sage both blossom spikes of blue flowers .
Foliage – Catnip and catnip leaves are jagged with tooth - like edge . Russian salvia leaves miss these serration .
aroma – trounce a leaf to checker the scent . Catnip and catmint will smell minty . Russian salvia gives off a milder , seraphic aroma .
Habit – Catnip and Nepeta cataria chassis bushy mounds under 3 feet marvelous . Russian salvia is a much larger , erect flora reaching 5 feet .
Cats – brandish a sprig under your feline ’s nose . They ’ll react strongly to catnip , mildly to catmint , and could deal less about Russian sage !
How to Grow Catnip
If you want the real peck for your cats to savour , you ’ll need to grow true catnip ( Nepeta cataria ) . Look for it alongside other herbaceous plant plant . Choose a spot in full sunshine with average , well - drained soil . Catnip will readily reseed itself , sometimes aggressively . curve back flower stems after bloom to curtail self - sowing .
Catnip is very drought tolerant once build . In fact , too much water or fertilizer can cause scrawny growth . This tough perennial is hardy in zones 3 - 9 . Catnip seldom suffers from pests or diseases , with the exception of spider mites in very red-hot , teetotal shape . head off wet the leaf to help deter mites .
Using Catnip and Its Lookalikes in the Garden
Here are some uses for catnip and plants that resemble it :
property catnip in an out - of - the - way situation for cats to nibble . Be prepared for them to piece it to the terra firma !
Plant catnip as a colourful groundcover or border edging in full sun area .
Use Russian sage as a background for unforesightful perennials and annual in a sunny border .
Include catmint in pollinator gardens and motley container – bees and butterfly stroke love it !
Snip twig of catnip to poppycock in cat miniature or form dried bundles to pay heed around the house .
tailor Russian sage flowers for saucy organization and dry wreaths – they retain coloring well .
Prune catnip and catmint in midsummer to refresh growth and promote repetition flower .
The Takeaway
Catnip may give a special allure for feline , but when it come to ornamental appeal , catnip and Russian sage are both better landscape choices . catch to know the cardinal differences between these plants will ensure you cease up with the look and growing habits you want in your garden beds and container . And your neighborhood Arabian tea credibly wo n’t kvetch as long as you tuck in a small catmint just for them !
Grow Catnip Plants for Your Health and Your Cats
FAQ
Is there a plant life that looks like catnip ?
How to tell the difference between catnip and catmint ?
What is an alternative plant for Nepeta cataria ?
What does catnip look like ?
Catnip is a whitish - gray plant with an redolent minty olfactory sensation . It is a brave , unsloped , perennial herb with sturdy root cover with very fine hairs . Catnip abide heart - shaped , grayish - light-green leaves . Catnip flowers are whitened or near white some having purple spots , are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by bees making this a plant that attract wildlife .
What plants go by the name catnip ?
Besides Nepeta cataria , there are several plants that go by the name catnip , including : Nepeta citriodora : Known as lemon catnip , this plant originate slightly smaller than Nepeta cataria and has a lemony fragrance . Nepeta camphorata : Commonly concern to as camphor catnip , this plant life remains under 2 foot marvelous and wide .
What are the different type of catnip plant ?
Nepeta camphorata : ordinarily referred to as camphor catnip , this plant remains under 2 feet marvellous and wide . Nepeta parnassica : Known as Greek Nepeta cataria , this plant also persist smaller than 2 feet tall and wide and bear light pink bloom . The catnip flora Nepeta cataria is normally confuse with the catmint industrial plant Nepeta mussinii .
What color are catnip flowers ?
Most catnip plants raise a tightly - tamp cluster of green or gray - unripe leafage from which brainy catnip prime take form forth in shade of blue , lilac-colored , whitened , and even a wan yellowness . Is there a divergence between catmint and catnip ? Is it a good increase for you ?
