Catnip

Catnip plant (Nepeta) - is a low ornamental shrub that has a pronounced aroma and belongs to one of the genera of the Yasnotkovy family. Such herbs are common on several continents at once - in the northern part of Africa, in Eurasia, and also in North America. Most often they grow on dry and rocky ground. The genus includes more than 250 species.

The plant's name comes from the unusual intoxicating effect the species can have on cats. One of the types of catnip is the famous "catnip". The scientific name of the herb - Nepeta - refers to the eponymous ancient city of the Etruscans. Presumably, catnip grew there in especially large numbers.

Catnip bushes are unpretentious and do not require special growing conditions. In gardens it can be used as an ornamental and useful plant. Discreet flowers, in large quantities covering the shoots of catnip, make it an excellent plant for framing paths, decorating rock gardens or flower beds in a landscape style.

Description of catnip

Catnip are perennial (less often annual) plants that form tall bushes up to 1.2 m in size. Their shoots are covered with heart-shaped leaf blades with a jagged edge. The foliage is located opposite, has pubescence and exudes a pleasant aroma. The color of the leaves is green, but more often has a grayish tint.

In the middle of summer, a wave of catnip flowering begins. On it, whorl inflorescences are formed, formed by white or bluish flowers. In rare cases, the color of the flowers may be yellow. The lower pair of petals grows together, forming a two-lipped tube in the form of a funnel or bell. There are several specks on the upper lip. Each flower contains two pairs of stamens, the lower one is slightly shorter than the upper one. Their size does not exceed the length of the tube. The inflorescences form a kind of cone at the top of the shoot. After flowering (in autumn), nuts are formed.

Catnip is often confused with its related mint. Common mint has more compact bushes. The smell of their foliage is almost indistinguishable, but mint smells even if not touched, and the scent of catnip is enhanced if its foliage is rubbed in your hand. In addition, catnip leaves contain special substances, including the compound nepetalactone. It is this that, when inhaled, causes changes in the behavior of cats.

The plant's fragrant foliage is often used in cooking. At the same time, the smell of different plant species, as well as its intensity, can differ significantly and largely depend on the stage of vegetative development.In addition, the aromas of fresh and dried catnip herb also differ.

Brief rules for growing catnip

The table shows brief rules for growing a catnip in the open field.

Planting a catnip in open ground

When is the best time to plant

Planting catnip in the ground can be done both in early spring and in autumn. Most often, ready-made seedlings are purchased in stores. This method allows you to decorate the garden with catnip as soon as possible, although if desired, the bushes can be grown from seeds.

The catnip can be planted in open ground, flowerpots or containers, or in ordinary flower pots.

Choosing a landing site

The cattleman is not too picky about the place of landing, but still has his own preferences. For growing bushes, soil that is well permeable to moisture and air is optimal. The most fragrant specimens grow on sandy soil. A small amount of lime or dolomite flour can be added to the soil before planting. Lighting is also important. Plantings are located on the south or west side of the house, a slope sheltered from the winds or in a garden with herbs.

The conditions for planting may also depend on the group to which the selected species belongs:

• Varieties and types with gray leaves - prefer warmer and sunnier corners with light soil that allows air to pass through well. In the natural environment, such plants usually live on poor rocky land and are drought-resistant, so in gardens they will not need constant watering and fertilization.
• Green-leaved varieties - they prefer more nutritious and moist soil, but it is still not worth overmoistening a bed with such catnipes. These plants grow best in the sun or in partial shade, but too sunny areas (south side) are recommended to be avoided.

Cattlemen reproduce well by self-seeding.

Sowing seeds in the ground

Seed cultivation of catnip is not difficult, but before sowing, the seeds must be prepared. Most often, sowing is carried out in the spring.

The hard shell of the seeds can interfere with germination, therefore, before sowing, the seed is kept in the freezer overnight, and then soaked in water for a day. Such manipulations will help destroy the outer shell. Then the seeds are sown on seedlings or directly into the ground. Small seeds should not be buried too deeply. Seedlings appear in 7-10 days. When the sprouts are strong, they can be planted. Seedlings are transferred to the ground towards the end of May.

It is noteworthy that the germinated seeds, having fallen into unfavorable conditions, do not die, but only slow down their development. But when sowing seeds in the ground at the end of spring, the bushes can bloom only in the second year. The seedling method allows you to get flowering plants already in the current season.

Catnip planting rules

The rate of development of the catnip largely depends on its variety, as well as on the conditions in which the bush grows. The more they are suitable for the plant, the thicker its aerial part will be. With this in mind, when planting seedlings, it is necessary to maintain a distance of 30-50 cm between the bushes. Usually, 3-8 catnip bushes are placed on 1 square meter of land.

Before planting (preferably in the fall), the garden bed is carefully weeded and well dug up. The roots of the purchased seedlings can be previously held in water.This procedure will speed up their engraftment in a new place and help prevent the development of diseases. The bushes are placed in medium-sized pits prepared for them, without deepening them below the previous level. Then the plants are covered with soil, a circular depression is made next to each bush and the plantings are well watered.

If planting is done in pots or containers, the seedlings can be placed in denser rows. This will help create a more effective composition.

Catnip care

Due to the unpretentiousness of the catnip, this plant will not create difficulties in care, even for novice florists.

Watering

Most of all, catnip bushes will need moisture in the first time after planting in the ground. The first abundant watering is carried out after transplanting, and then they continue to keep the soil moist for several weeks. It is recommended to water young plants a couple of times a week. Adult catnip need almost no watering. They are carried out only during periods of long drought, trying to act so that the liquid does not stagnate in the soil.

Gray-leaved cattle farms are considered more drought tolerant, but during long periods of dry weather, it is also recommended to water them abundantly.

Top dressing

An excess of nutrients in the soil is bad for the growth of catnip, which prefers poor soil. Usually, additional feeding is not required for the bushes. An exception is made for plants that grow on overly scarce land. Such plantings are fertilized by introducing a mixture of soil and compost into the beds. At the end of the first wave of flowering, the bushes are pruned and re-fed using a complex composition. Such measures will contribute to the onset of the second wave of budding.

Sometimes feeding is carried out to strengthen the plants after wintering. For this, mineral compositions rich in nitrogen are used.

Pruning

When the catnip has faded for the first time, its shoots can be cut off. Fresh shoots will appear soon, on which buds are re-formed. Thanks to such actions, it is possible to extend the flowering of some catnipes until autumn.

The cattleman easily self-seeds, so pruning like this will help prevent unwanted spread of plants over the site. But some varieties (for example, the Fassen group) do not set seeds.

If you plan to collect leaves from catnipses, you should do this a couple of days after heavy watering or rain. This will produce the most scented foliage.

Wintering period

In autumn, when the catnip has finally faded, its shoots are shortened, leaving about a third of its height. Such pruning helps to increase the frost resistance of the plant, and also stimulates the development of bushes in width. The catnip is considered to be quite winter-hardy, but at the risk of too harsh winters, it can be covered. For this, felt covers or spruce branches are used. In order to prevent the bushes from drying out under such a shelter, it must be removed as soon as all severe frosts have passed.

Breeding methods for catnip

The possibility of self-sowing propagation and the development of shrubs often turn the catnip into a garden weed. To avoid overgrowth, it is usually planted in limited flower beds, rockeries or flowerpots.

Dividing the bush

You can divide catnip bushes from mid-spring to early summer, or in autumn, after flowering ends. An adult large bush with several stems is pulled out of the ground along with a lump. Then it is placed in a container of water to soak the soil at the roots. Clean them carefully, taking care not to damage the roots. The roots are then cut into pieces using a clean tool. The divisions are distributed in separate wells. In the first few weeks after planting, they are watered regularly. Such actions allow you to rejuvenate old plantings, the flowering of which is gradually becoming scarce. If the catnip is not periodically divided, the bushes become drier and less decorative.

Cuttings

Catnip cuttings are cut at the very end of spring - early summer. For reproduction, large strong shoots of adult bushes are used, which did not have time to form buds.For rooting, they are planted in drained soil and watered regularly. Seedlings should be kept in partial shade or in diffused light. From above, you can cover the plantings with transparent jars or bags. The cover should be removed from time to time to ventilate and remove condensation. When the cuttings are rooted, they are transplanted to a permanent place.

Growing from seeds

Catnip seeds ripen slowly, so they should be collected in several stages, focusing on the lower part of the inflorescence. Ripe fruits acquire a brownish color. Seed germination lasts about 2 years.

Sowing seeds in the southern regions can be carried out before winter, in other cases it is carried out in the spring. In March, seeds can be sown in a greenhouse or greenhouse, keeping a distance of 5 cm between them. The seeds are placed in a light substrate, including coconut fiber, fine fractions of bark or perlite. In a warm place (from 18 degrees), seedlings appear in 1-2 weeks.

Diseases and pests

Catnip successfully resists most flower diseases, but powdery mildew can appear on the bushes in dry and hot summers. The leaf blades affected by it should be removed, and the bush itself should be treated with a fungicide. For preventive purposes, the plant bed can be mulched. In addition, when watering, you need to be careful so that water does not fall on the leaves.

Sometimes insects harm the catnip - aphids, whiteflies or ticks. But, having decided to treat the catnip against pests, it is important to remember that this plant is a honey plant. Bees flock to the scent of a flower, which can be significantly harmed by chemicals. The control of harmful insects should be carried out only by means of natural origin that do not pose a danger to pollinators.

In addition to the usual garden pests, cats, attracted by the scent of the foliage of the bushes, can be in charge of the flower beds. To avoid accidental death of more valuable garden plants, keep them away from the catnip.

Types and varieties of catnip with photos and names

The catnip has over 250 species. Many of them can be grown as ornamental plants. One of the most common is Fassen's catnip, which has fragrant leaf blades and pale purple flowers.

The species known as catnip is used to make medicinal infusions that can have psychedelic effects. They are used in herbal medicine. Some catnips contain a substance that greatly affects cats. But due to the state of euphoria that it causes, animals often harm the landings.

Species growing on the territory of Russia

In Russia, the following types of catnip can be found in the natural environment:

K. Mussini, or Musina (Nepeta mussinii)

The species forms bushes up to 45 cm wide and up to 60 cm high. The flowers are bluish-purple in color. The foliage of Nepeta mussinii does not contain the compound that arouses cats.

K. Transcaucasian (Nepeta transcaucasica)

In nature, the species lives on dry and rocky slopes. Nepeta transcaucasica has blue-purple flowers. The plant is used as a spice, and its essential oils can be used by perfumers.

K. Hungarian (Nepeta pannonica), or naked

The species lives in the south of the country, as well as in the regions of Ukraine and Belarus. Nepeta pannonica has straight shoots, bare or slightly pubescent. The size of the bush reaches 50 cm in width and up to 1.2 m in height. Flowering begins in July and ends by September. The flowers are colored purple. Most often found on roadsides or on slopes with dry soil.

K. large-flowered (Nepeta grandiflora)

The average size of the bushes is 70 cm. Nepeta grandiflora is distinguished by its lilac-blue flowers.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.)

The bushes of this species reach a height of 60 cm. Nepeta cataria L. has fragrant foliage and white with purple or pink flowers. Its subspecies Citriodora has leaves, the smell of which has pronounced citrus notes, and is found under the name "lemon catnip".It is recommended to plant this species in semi-shady places: this placement helps to prolong its flowering.

K. kuban (Nepeta kubanica)

Lives in the south. Nepeta kubanica forms bushes up to 70 cm tall, their flowering begins in June and lasts until the end of summer.

K. Siberian (Nepeta sibirica)

This species has fragrant leaves and large lavender inflorescences. Bushes of Nepeta sibirica are up to 60 cm in height. The species has the Blue Beauty cultivar, the flowers of which are blue in color.

K. veined (Nepeta nervosa)

A compact form, the size of the bushes of which is about 30 cm in width and height. The leaves of Nepeta nervosa have a pleasant smell, and the inflorescences are blue in color.

Along with these species, the following catnips are also common in horticulture:

• Italian - flowering of this species occurs at the end of summer.
• Isfahan - a low (up to 15 cm) annual with pubescent stems, the herb of which is used as a seasoning.
• Semi-seated - unpretentious green-leaved species, forms bushes up to 90 cm tall.
• Ukrainian - forms bushes up to 60 cm tall with bluish inflorescences.

Low-growing species with gray foliage

Catnipers with gray leaves are more widely represented in horticulture. This is due to the greater unpretentiousness of such species and their ability to endure periods of drought. Such plants are planted in warm and bright corners of the garden on well-drained soil. The height of the bushes reaches only 30 cm, after which they begin to spread in width, covering the garden with a solid carpet. This makes such flowers particularly suitable for forming decorative frames. They are planted around fountains, paths or flower beds, creating an airy and spectacular border. The growing bushes of catnip are often combined with plants that quickly lose their attractiveness. So the combination of catnip with irises allows you to disguise the flower bed after the latter have faded. Most often, a racemose catnip is used in such a duet.

Among the most popular varieties of this type are:

Superba

This variety was obtained at the very beginning of the 19th century. Superba is considered one of the most decorative and lush plants. Blooming bushes continues from mid-spring to early July. During this period, lilac-blue inflorescences are formed on them. Pruning correctly will help stimulate a second wave of bloom, which will last until fall.

Grog

This variety is similar to the previous one, but has its own differences. The foliage of the Grog variety has a scent that combines mint and lemon notes.

Lemon flavor (Odeur Citron)

As the name suggests, Odeur Citron leaves have a distinct lemon scent.

Snowflake

Snowflake is distinguished by white inflorescences, uncharacteristic of the species as a whole. They flaunt on the plant all summer. The height of its bushes reaches 60 cm.

Tall species and varieties with gray foliage

To decorate gardens, K. large-flowered and Fassen hybrids are also used. These species are distinguished by their rapid development rates and greater height - from 60 cm and above.

Fassen's Catnip (Nepeta x faassenii)

Dutch hybrid species up to half a meter high. The stems of Nepeta x faassenii have gray-green foliage in the form of hearts. Flowering starts in early summer and can last until October. The inflorescences of this species are bluish-purple, although varietal catnip can have different colors. The entire aerial part of the plant has a pleasant aroma, but it is most pronounced in the foliage.

You can grow such a catnip in sunny areas, planting bushes in a light but nutritious soil. The bushes can survive short periods of drought, but flowers should be watered regularly during long dry weather. Due to the higher growth of shoots, they are recommended to be tied to supports. After the first wave of flowering, the stems are pruned, stimulating the development of fresh peduncles. This species is also a melliferous species and attracts many pollinators to the garden. At the same time, the catnip with its aroma is able to scare away unwanted insects - flies and mosquitoes.Due to their hybrid origin, such varieties can only be propagated by vegetative methods.

The main varieties of this species:

• Catnip - the variety forms branched bushes. It blooms later than other varieties, but has more delicate leaf blades.
• Six hills giant - sometimes called giant. Variety of English selection, reaches 1 m in height. Its inflorescences combine blue and purple tones.
• Walker's Low - Irish variety with deep purple flowers. The height of the bushes reaches 60 cm. The plant is usually used as a curb.

Large-flowered catnip (Nepeta grandiflora)

It can reach a height of 1.5 m. Nepeta grandiflora has rather large leaves (up to 8 cm long), painted dark green above and grayish below. The inflorescences are purple in color. Despite the name, they are relatively small flowers. Natural habitats - Eastern European countries and regions of the Caucasus. Its popular varieties:

• Six hills giant - a variety with the same name as Fassen. Possesses lavender blue flowers. The plant is often used in compositions with roses, geraniums and other flowers of delicate or bright colors.
• Dawn to dusk - a spectacular pink-flowered variety.
• Blue Danube - a very compact variety with blue-blue flowers;
• Gletschereis - the variety has a neat small foliage of a light silver color. Looks spectacular in combination with other plants with white or gray leaves.
• Pool Bank; Wild cat - two varieties with bluish purple flowers.

Species with green foliage

Species with completely green foliage prefer shady corners of the garden. For normal development, they need a little more attentive care, as well as an optimally selected arrangement.

Semi-seated catnip (Nepeta subsessilis)

Japanese species with larger flowers that form spectacular inflorescences. Flowering occurs in July. Most often, the flowers have a cornflower blue or lavender hue, although varietal variations also have other colors of inflorescences. Nepeta subsessilis is shade-loving. In the landscape, it is often combined with a lamb, hostas or brunner.

Siberian catnip (Nepeta sibirica)

On nutrient soils, this species quickly forms strong shoots, but develops best in the vicinity of other bushy crops. Flowering occurs in the second half of summer. Nepeta sibirica has a more durable decorative variety - Souvenir d'Andre Shodron, which is planted in compositions with lilies or rose bushes.

Kuban cattle (Nepeta kubanica)

It is Nepeta kubanica and Nepeta pratti that are considered the most common in garden culture. During the flowering period, inflorescence caps appear on the bushes, formed by large flowers. They are often paired with bells.

Catnip properties and its application

Cattlemen are not only beautiful, but also melliferous and medicinal plants.

In landscape design

As a rule, catnip is widely used to decorate areas decorated in a landscape style. This plant can be used to decorate slopes, used as a curb or completely fill the lawn with it. Most often, the latter method is resorted to in areas with significant ground irregularities.

Lilac, blue or blue clouds of catnip flowers not only delight the eye, but also attract pollen carriers - bees and butterflies to the site. Often plantings of catnip are located next to apiaries: this flower is an excellent honey plant. From 1 hectare of planting, you can collect up to 300 kg of honey.

In cooking

Catnip greens can be eaten. Dried it is used as a spice. Fresh, tender shoots can be added to salads, soups or sauces. To supplement meat dishes, use finely chopped dried foliage. Vitamin C-rich leaves of the plant can also be added to tea.

The collection of leaves and shoots for storage is carried out during the flowering period - it is at this time that the plant accumulates a maximum of valuable substances. The stems are cut at 10 cm in the morning, shortly after flowering begins. Raw materials are dried in bunches, hanging in a dry and ventilated room. It is important that no direct rays fall on the grass. You can store it for 2 years.

Healing properties

For medicinal purposes, dried catnip flowers are used. They are a frequent ingredient in herbal medicine: teas or tinctures.To obtain such a drink, pour boiling water over the flowers and infuse them properly. The resulting tea helps to improve the digestive processes (fights flatulence), promotes the elimination of phlegm during throat diseases, and also has a diaphoretic and tonic effect.

On the farm

Thanks to the catnip extract, gardeners fight against aphids, and also scare away unwanted insects with it - cockroaches, termites, as well as mosquitoes and some types of flies (including house flies). With the help of a catnip, you can try to ward off even rats from the house.

Catnip is also widely used as a flavoring agent. The essential oils contained in the plant make it a valuable element in perfumery: perfumes, soaps and shampoos.

Cats and catnip

Nepetalactone in catnip makes cats literally lose their heads. Animals can begin to wallow in the bushes, lick the foliage of the catnip and meow, or manifest themselves in a different unusual way, and only after 10-15 minutes they gradually relax and lose interest in the bush for at least half an hour. The reaction to catnip is observed even in kittens from 5-6 months of age. Only one third of all cats are "immune" to the aromatic substances secreted by the catnip. Interestingly, this feature is hereditary. At the same time, older cats are considered to be much less sensitive to "catnip" than younger ones. The exposure to the herb is considered harmless. Sometimes the plant is specifically used as a feline antidepressant, for example, before a stressful situation such as a move.