Catmints are a popular choice among gardeners, primarily because they are easy to grow. Also called catnip, they perform well and appear attractive throughout the growing season. During the peak bloom season, they render beautiful grayish-purple colors, and their scent is unique, ranging from minty to musty. The surprising fact is that catmint has a wide array of species, and each one is worth trying in the garden. When considering buying catmint plants for sale, he/she shouldn’t ignore the available varieties.
Standout Varieties That are Worth Mentioning
There are over 200 species, giving serious gardeners a plethora of choices. They look similar, but certain standouts can change the look of the landscape and are worth mentioning.
Siberian Catmint
The flowers are more striking and significant than those of other species. Moreover, Siberian catmints are favorites among hummingbirds for pollination when fully bloomed. Often referred to as the “blue beauty,” this species is a must-have on every gardener’s list. It is expected to plant the catmint species in the early summer. Moreover, yearly enclosing is necessary so that the clumps can be maintained tight.
Short-Stalked Catmint
The majority of catmint varieties favor the sun for growing well. On the contrary, the short-stalked catmints can grow ideally in damp and shadier areas of the garden. Additionally, the variety is taller than most catmint plant species. Short-stalked catmints have a reputation for producing large flowers and enticing seed heads that can last through freezing winters. The foliage is colorful, which makes it great for display in gardens and landscapes.
Yellow Catmint
Yellow catmint plants for sale are one of the rarest to find. Amid a purple genus, yellow catmints are a gem that is worth trying out. The species blooms in custard-yellow flowers and works well with other colored flowers in the garden. The best part about yellow catmint is that it starts blooming in the late summer when the garden is preparing to shut down for the season. Compared with other varieties or species of catmints available in the USA, yellow catmints are more expensive.
Growing Catmints
Growing catmint plants is not challenging and usually demands a cutback after full blooming. This can be done in the early days of June so that flowering can be delayed and create shorter plants. The majority of catmint species need adequate sunlight to thrive fully. Apart from proper sunlight, catmints demand soil that can drain freely. Thus, heavy soil, mainly clay, must be avoided for planting catmint.
Conclusion
Catmint plants are a popular choice, not only because of their appearance but also because of their herbal value. Because it is an aromatic herb, they are used as insect repellent agents and in herbal tea. One can easily find catmint plants for sale at nurseries, though some rare species are challenging to source. Those mentioned above are some standout or rare species popular among gardeners and landscapers on residential and commercial properties.