Catnip vs. Catmint: Know the Differences Before You Plant

There's not much of a difference between catnip vs. catmint. A sprig of catnip or a toy stuffed with either is a surefire way to catch the attention of even the most reserved and aloof family cat. Catmint can have a similar effect. All the excitement is brought on by nepetalactone, a chemical structurally similar to a particular feline pheromone. Scientists have found that catnip and catmint contain higher quantities of nepetalactone than other members of the mint family, which explains why these two plants are tops with tabbies. Here's how you can delight your cat by growing catnip and catmint.

Catnip vs. Catmint

Catnip and catmint both belong to the genus Nepeta in the mint family. They both have square stems that are typical features of mint plants. And they each 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 catnip vs. catmint, these plants differ on several critical features.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a vigorous perennial plant with a somewhat weedy appearance in the landscape. It has a rangy, branching shape and forms 3-foot-tall drifts of gray-green foliage. Small spikes of white flowers appear here and there between spring and fall but aren't very showy.

There are a few different types of catmint, but in general, all have a more tidy-looking, compact, mounded appearance than catnip. Plus, these perennials produce pretty spikes of purple flowers for many weeks throughout the summer.

When it comes to attractiveness to cats, that can depend on the individual animal. Catnip and catmint can appeal equally to some felines, while others seem to prefer catnip and will pass by catmint without a second glance. 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.

Where to Plant Catnip and Catmint

Both catnip and catnip grow well in full sun. They will tolerate a few hours of shade but need about eight hours of direct sunlight to thrive. Catnip and catmint grow in average, well-drained soil. Catnip will tolerate poor soil and reseed and spread readily, becoming a nuisance in warmer climates. Plant it where you can keep it in bounds, or grow it in a container. On the other hand, Catmint 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 Catnip and Catmint

You can find catnip ($3, Select Seeds) and catmint plants at local garden centers. Catmint is usually stocked alongside popular perennial plants such as purple coneflower and yarrow. Catnip is often in the herb section of a garden center. Or you can find both plants through online retailers, either as potted plants or seeds. Keep plants watered after planting your catnip or catmint, especially during hot, dry weather. Catnip and catmint don't require fertilizer, especially if you add compost to the soil before planting.

Cut back 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. Cats will love the clippings. Expect catnip and catmint to return year after year in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9.

Keep Cats Away from Young Plants

Newly-planted catnip and catmint might need extra protection from curious cats. The young plants can be easily destroyed by the chewing and rolling of a frisky feline. Cover 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 plant.