Part of the same genus, there’s not a huge difference in catmint vs.catnip.
Both plants are fast-growing and drought-tolerant.
Carson Downing
What Is Catmint?
Credit:(L) Carson Downing, (R) Jason Donnelly
Catmint’s foliage is gray-green in color, and it has a lacy look.
Catmint is hardy, easy to grow, and deer-resistant.
Jason Donnelly
What Is Catnip?
Credit:Carson Downing
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is avigorous perennial plantwith a somewhat weedy appearance.
It has a rangy branching shape and forms 3-foot-tall drifts of gray-green foliage.
Catmint’spurple flowersand tidy shape make it a more showy garden plant.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Where to Plant Catmint vs. Catnip
Both catmint and catnipgrow well in full sun.
Catnip and catmint grow in average,well-drained soil.
Lower-growing varieties, such as ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ shown above, work well as anedging plantalong a walkway.
Credit: Brie Passano
you’re able to also find both plants through online retailers, either as potted plants or seeds.
After planting your catmint or catnip, keep the perennials wateredespecially during hot, dry weather.
Expect catmint and catnip to return year after year inUSDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.
Keep Cats Away from Young Plants
Newly-planted catmint and catnip might need extra protection from curious cats.
The young plants can easily be destroyed if exposed to a frisky feline’s chewing and rolling.
Prevent this by covering young plants with a wire cage until they are well established.
Catmints and catnip: Which is “purrfect” for your garden?University of Minnesota Extension.
Catnip’s chemical attractant is new twist on old family tradition.Florida Museum of Natural History.
