Part of the same genus, there's not a huge difference in catmint vs. catnip. A sprig of catnip or a toy stuffed with the herbaceous plant is a surefire way to catch the attention of even the most reserved and aloof cat, and catmint can have a similar effect.
The playful, excited response the perennial plants draw out of our feline friends is brought on by nepetalactone, a chemical structurally similar to certain feline pheromones. Scientists have found that catmint and catnip evolved to contain higher quantities of nepetalactone than other members of the mint family as a defense mechanism against pests. Unlike insects and other critters, cats are drawn to the chemical like bees to honey. While they're known for their stimulating effect on felines, catmint and catnip can also add some spice to your landscaping.
Catmint vs. Catnip
Catmint and catnip both belong to the mint family in the genus Nepeta. They both have square stems that are typical features of mint plants, and they produce spikes of tiny, two-lipped flowers that are a valuable food source for pollinators. When touched, their aromatic leaves release a mint-like scent that some people find a little pungent and "skunky." Both plants are fast-growing and drought-tolerant. But if you're wondering if you should grow catmint vs. catnip, these plants differ on several critical features.
What Is Catmint?
There are a few different types of catmint, but in general, the perennial plant has a tidier appearance than catnip, growing in slightly sprawling, compact mounds. Catmint's foliage is gray-green in color, and it has a lacy look. For many weeks throughout the summer, these perennials produce pretty spikes of flowers, blooming purple, white, or pink petals. Catmint is hardy, easy to grow, and deer-resistant.
Common varieties of catmint include Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low,’ which blooms lavender-blue flowers, Nepeta subsessilis ‘Sweet Dreams,' which sprouts pink petals with burgundy bracts, and Nepeta x faassenii 'Six Hills Giant,’ which also produces lavender-blue blooms but grows much taller than the other two types.
What Is Catnip?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a vigorous perennial plant with a somewhat weedy appearance. It has a rangy branching shape and forms 3-foot-tall drifts of gray-green foliage. Its leaves can be triangular or oval-shaped, and they have toothed edges that give the plant a jagged appearance. Small spikes of white flowers appear here and there between spring and fall, but the blooms aren't very showy.
In addition to Nepeta cataria, other varieties of catnip include Nepeta citriodora, which has a lemony fragrance, and Nepeta parnassica, which blooms light pink flowers.
Catmint vs. Catnip for Cats
In terms of catmint vs. catnip attractiveness to felines, it largely depends on the individual animal. Catmint and catnip can appeal equally to some cats, while others seem to prefer catnip and will pass by catmint without a second glance.
Catmint vs. Catnip for Planting
From a landscape standpoint, catmint is considered the more ornamental choice of the two plants. Catmint's purple flowers and tidy shape make it a more showy garden plant. Catnip's weedy appearance doesn't work with all garden styles, so this plant is best kept in an out-of-the-way area if you'd still like to grow it for your cat. Notably, catnip is considered invasive in some states due to its tendency to grow aggressively. If you decide to plant it in your landscape, keep a watchful eye on it to ensure it doesn't grow out of bounds.
Where to Plant Catmint vs. Catnip
Both catmint and catnip grow well in full sun. Each plant will tolerate a few hours of shade, but they need about 8 hours of direct sunlight to thrive. Catnip and catmint grow in average, well-drained soil. Catnip will tolerate poor soil and can reseed and spread readily, which makes it a nuisance in warmer climates. Plant catnip where you can keep it in bounds, or grow it in a container instead of implementing it in your landscape. Catmint, on the other hand, grows in a single clump that doesn't spread or reseed as easily. Lower-growing varieties, such as 'Cat's Pajamas' shown above, work well as an edging plant along a walkway.
How to Grow Catmint and Catnip
You can find catnip ($3.25, Select Seeds) and catmint plants at local garden centers. Catmint is usually stocked alongside popular perennial plants including purple coneflower and yarrow, and catnip is often found in the herb section. You can also find both plants through online retailers, either as potted plants or seeds.
After planting your catmint or catnip, keep the perennials watered—especially during hot, dry weather. Catmint and catnip don't require fertilizer, especially if you add compost to the soil before planting. Deadhead catmint flowers after they fade to encourage another round of blossoms a few weeks later. Cut rangy catnip stems back by half their length in midsummer to promote a neater habit—save the clippings; your cat will love them. Expect catmint and catnip to return year after year in USDA 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. Another trick is to add several short stakes between the stems to discourage cats from lying on and crushing the plants.