Catmint Herb, Catswart and Field Balm

Native to Europe and East and West Asia, but now naturalized in other temperate zones. The species name may have derived from the Roman town Nepeti, where it was said to grow in profusion. The Elizabethan herbalist, Gerard, recorded the source of its common name: 'They do call it herba cataria and herba catti because cats are very much delighted herewith for the smell of it is so pleasant unto them, that they rub themselves upon it and wallow or tumble in it and also feed on the branches and leaves very greedily.' This herb has long been cultivated both for its medicinal t and seasoning properties, and in the hippie era of the late '60s and '70s for its mildly hallucinogenic quality when smoked.

Species

Nepeta cataria, Nepeta x faassenii and Nepeta racemosa are all called catmint, which can he confusing. However the first is the true herb with the medicinal and culinary properties and, just to be more confusing, is known also as dog mint!

Nepeta racemosa (mussinii)

Hardy perennial. Ht and spread 50cm (20in). Spikes of lavender blue/purple flowers from late spring to autumn. Small, mildly fragrant, grayish leaves. Marvelous edging plant for tumbling out over raised beds or softening hard edges of stone flags. Combines especially well with old-fashioned roses.

Nepeta camphorata

Hardy perennial. Ht and spread 60-75cm (24-30in). Very different from ordinary catmint and very fragrant. Tiny white blooms all summer. Small, silvery grey, aromatic foliage. Prefers a poor, well-drained, dryish soil, not too rich in nutrients, and full sun. However, it will adapt to most soils except wet and heavy.

Nepeta x faassenii

Hardy perennial. Ht and spread 45cm (18in). Loose spikes of lavender blue flowers from early summer to early autumn. Small grayish-green aromatic leaves form a bushy clump.

Nepeta cataria

Dog mini, Nep-in-a-hedge. Hardy perennial. Ht 1m (3ft), spread 60cm (2ft). White to pale pink flowers from early summer to early autumn. Pungent aromatic leaves. This plant is the true herb. In the 17th century it was used in the treatment of barren women.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Sow its small seed in spring or late summer, either where the plant is going to flower or onto the surface of pots, plug or seed trays. Cover with perlite. Gentle bottom heat can be of assistance. Germination takes from 10-20 days, depending on the time of year (faster in late summer). Seed is viable for 5 years. When large enough to handle, thin the seedlings to 30cm (12in).The seed of N. camphorata should be sown in autumn to late winter. This seed will usually flower the following season.

Cuttings

Take softwood cuttings from new growth in late spring through to mid-summer. Do not choose flowering stems.

Division

A good method of propagation particularly if a plant is becoming invasive. But beware of cats! The smell of a bruised root is irresistible. Cats have been known to destroy a specimen replanted alter division. If there are cats around, protect the newly divided plant.

Pests and Diseases

These plants are aromatic and not prone to pests. However, in cold wet winters, they tend to rot off.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds.

Summer: Sow seeds until late Bin the season. Cut back hard l after flowering to encourage a second Hush.

Autumn: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape I produce new growth. If your winters tend to be wet and cold, pot up and winter this herb in a cold frame.

Winter: Sow seeds of Nepeta camphorata.

Garden Cultivation

The main problem with catmint is the love cats have for it. If you have ever seen a cat spaced-out after feeding (hence catnip) and rolling on it, then you will understand why cat lovers love catmint, and why cat haters who grow it get cross with cat neighbors. The reason why cats are enticed is the smell; it reminds them of the hormonal scent of cats of the opposite sex. With all this in mind, choose your planting site carefully.

Nepeta make very attractive border or edging subjects. They like a well drained soil, sun, or light shade. The one thing they dislike is a wet winter, they may well rot off. Planting distance depends on species, but on average plant 50cm (20in) apart. When the main flowering is over, catmint should be cut back hard to encourage a second crop and to keep a neat and compact shape.

Harvest

Whether you pick to use fresh or to dry, gather leaves and flowering tops when young.

Culinary

Use freshly picked young shoots in salads or rub on meat to release their mintish flavor. Catmint was drunk as a tea before China tea was introduced into the West. It makes an interesting cup!

Medicinal

Nepeta cataria is now very rarely used for medicinal purposes. In Europe it is sometimes used in a hot infusion to promote sweating. It is said to be excellent for colds and flu and children's infectious diseases, such as measles. It soothes the nervous system and helps get a restless child off to sleep. It also helps to calm upset stomachs and counters colic, flatulence and diarrhoea. In addition, an infusion can be applied externally to soothe scalp irritations, and the leaves and flowering tops can be mashed for a poultice to be applied to external bruises.

Companion planting

Planting Nepeta cataria near vegetables deters flea beetle.

Container growing

N. x faassenii and N. racemosa look stunning in large terracotta pots. The grey green of the leaves and the blue-purple of the flowers complement the terracotta, and their sprawling habit in flower completes the picture. Use well-draining compost, such as a peat, grit, and bark mix. Note: both varieties tend to grow soft and leggy indoors.

Other uses

Dried leaves stuffed into toy mice will keep kittens and cats amused for hours. The scent of catnip is said to repel rats, so put bunches in hen and duck houses to discourage them. The flowers of Nepeta x faassenii, and Nepeta racemosa are suitable for formal displays.