In ideal settings, it will bloom from spring though autumn, while providing nourishment for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Planted along edges or among rocks, this 18-incher can contribute color and texture in spring and sometimes again in autumn. mussinii, it shows up routinely at local garden centers as if it were just waiting to be adopted and taken home. This effect is also elicited by Faassen’s catmint ( Nepeta x faassenii), a reliable and popular Dutch hybrid ( N.
#Mulching cat mint plants skin#
Unfortunately nepetalactone is not effective when applied to skin - not that you would want it on your skin when surrounded by cat buddies.Īctually, catnip is not the only nepeta that performs as a feline aphrodisiac. When released, catmint’s nepetalactone has been shown to repel mosquitoes even better than DEET. Nearby disturbed catmint might serve another purpose, too. Even so, strategically positioned catnip offers one way to distract cats from other parts of the garden - your rose circle, perhaps - where their digging would be unwelcome. That attraction means flattened plants, of course. Sexually mature cats are particularly attracted to the release of nepetalactone, a chemical mimicking a feline pheromone that prompts cat brains to respond “affectionately.” When these filaments are brushed or broken, the volatile oils filling them vaporize into the air. Such antics disturb hair-like filaments (trichomes) covering catmint leaves and stems.
They will rub their heads on this harmless and non-addictive plant, roll all over it, bite off chunks and even vocalize their delight in it. When they are susceptible, big jungle cats as well as small domestic felines are equally enticed by catmint. Most (not all) cats, however, find the smell of catnip to be irresistible - for a short while, at least. Even deer ignore catnip as just one more aromatic mint they are not inclined to nibble. Some gardeners also find catnip’s smell annoying, though possibly its pungent odor once gave this short-lived perennial credibility as a medicinal tea. There are about 250 species of European and Asian catmints, with only about 20 or so available commercially.Ĭatnip ( Nepeta cataria) is a three-foot herb that aggressively reseeds itself - one reason for its limited appeal to many gardeners. Many gardeners, on the other hand, care plenty about these other catmints (nepetas), which (like our feline pals) come in many alluring variations. Although cats could not care less, there is more to catmints than catnip.
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