Invasive plants are also known as alien species. These plants are exposed to a new environment without competition and thus grow in abundance. Catmints, with a few exceptions species, are not invasive. They are colorful flowers with a variety of species.
Is catmint invasive?
Catmints are not invasive in general. Some species like the Siberian catmint are invasive. But others are not. They can turn invasive under warm and moist factors. Other than that, they are useful ones with tough traits. The soil needs proper drainage and enough sunlight and space to grow.
Proper spacing and pruning are necessary for catmints to bloom. We have to provide them with enough space and divide them for their better growth.
Catmints are flavorful plants with nice colors. They bloom all fall and summer. So, divide them after their blooming and keep pruning them.
These plants are beneficial because they help fight drought and strengthen the soil. These plants grow in moderate and low moist soils as well. You need to have proper drainage of water from the soil.
They can repel a lot of harmful insects. They adapt well to other plants as well. That is, you can plant a variety of plants around catmints.
Purrsian blue catmint:
These species do not grow much taller. They can reach a height of around 12 inches. And in the spread, they are around 18 inches. Nepetamussinii is the first bloomer of spring.
Walker’s low catmint:
This is the common type of catmint. It has beautiful lavender flowers and foliage of greenish-grey. They grow up to 2 feet tall. And can spread up to a wide area.
Blue wonder catmint:
It is a dwarf species. It grows from nine to eighteen inches in length and twelve to eighteen inches in width. It has blue flowers and grows on dry soil.
Neptune catmint:
The flowers are of blue and lavender color. They are drought resistant and also deer and rabbit resistant species. They can spread up to 10 inches. And their length varies from six to twelve inches.
Cat’s meow catmint:
They grow in bulk and clumps. They can spread around 2-3 feet in width. And the length of this plant reaches approximately 20 inches. This species is easy to grow and maintain.
How much does catmint spread?
Catmints are vibrant and bushy. They take space to grow and spread. In length, they can reach from 5 inches to 36 inches maximum. In width, they can spread up to 3 feet. Planting catmints needs to be 1-2 feet apart. And larger species need more space to spread. Six hill giants need 3 feet of space.
Catmints are beautiful flowers with a variety of color options. They grow fast and can reach their mature height and width at an early age.
These flowers can grow in severe conditions with less hassle. They are fond of sunshine. You need a proper drainage system for these plants to grow properly.
They can reach a height of 6 inches to 36 inches. They can spread as much as up to 36 inches.
Plant catmints with enough space. They need trimming and dividing after certain periods. So make sure they are getting enough space they need for their growth.
If you are not careful and attentive towards these plants, they can grow out of hand. In most environments, they can spread a lot and create problems.
Divide them after a regular time frame. These plants are tough and have high adapting qualities. They can grow in various soil conditions and with full vigor.
Which catmint is not invasive?
Catmints are easy to grow plants. They are plants with beautiful colors. These plants are non-invasive.
But some species can grow out of control under some conditions. These conditions include high temperatures and a moist environment. Other than these, they are very versatile and helpful plants.
A list of catmint species that are not invasive are:
- Walker’s Low.
- Little Twitch Dwarf Catmint.
- Faassen’s/ Select Blue Catmint.
- White Wonder Catmint.
- Neptune Catmint.
- Purrsian Blue Catmint.
- White Wonder Catmint, etc.
How much space does catmint need?
Catmints grow in abundance and spread throughout large areas. If you are planning to grow catmints, take care of the area and space you are planning to plant.
The length and width of catmints can vary from species to species. Catmints can grow from 6 inches to as much as 36 inches.
These plants grow in bulk. That is why they need an appropriate amount of space while planting. Plant them at least at a distance of afoot.
Moreover, they spread from 1-3 feet in width. They need a proper growth environment.
Otherwise, there arise various problems in these plants. They can develop spots is planted without space.
So, catmints need more space than usual plants. But these are very strong and high in adaptation quality. They are helpful. And can grow in scanty water conditions.
They take more space to grow and flourish. But these plants are helpful for the environment and very beautiful to look at, at the same time.
What can I plant next to catmint?
Catmints are vibrant and colorful. They can grow in low to medium water conditions.
Catmints need sunlight. They can survive in partial shade as well.
There are various kinds of plants that are compatible with catmints. You can plant a variety of plants around these colorful flowers. Plant those plants around catmints that can survive the same growth conditions as catmints. And you are good to go.
The best option to plant around catmints is roses. They go well together and look even more beautiful together. Other options include salvia, yarrow, winecups, etc. Catmints are a little minty in flavor, and they grow well with many other plants.
For example, tufted hair-grass, lavender, irises, dahlias, etc. goes well around catmints as well.
This list can go along a long way. Apart from the scenic beauty, these companions of catmints help each other as well. That is, they are beneficial to each other.
How to keep catmint from spreading?
Few factors can make catmints invasive. Too many moist conditions and sunlight can make them grow in abundance.
Plant with gaps:
When you are planting a catmint plant, make sure to leave a gap between each plant. Keep a distance of 12 to 18 inches between them.
It will help the plants grow well and not tangle into each other. It also facilitates the overspread of catmints and keeps the plants healthy.
Add edging:
Few species of catmints are aggressive in their growth. You can introduce edging to stop the spread. Adding edging on every side of these plants can help reduce the spread of these plants.
Pruning:
It can help in the new flowering of the plants and help your plants grow well. These plants will have regular growth if the pruning is due at the right time.
Shearing in half in fall:
Catmints can bloom and grow in summer and fall. Shear these plants in half from their grown size. You can do this in the fall. It will help it from spreading.
Buy sterile options:
There are varieties of catmints in the market that are sterile and do not spread much. That is, they are not invasive. Buying these plants will automatically stop your catmints from spreading.
How to prune catmint?
Catmints grow in bulk. But these plants are not invasive. Invasive plants spread through their roots. But catmints are not subject to reseeding. You can control the spread of catmints by taking a few measures.
Steps to prune catmints:
Spot newly grown stems:
Spot the newly grown stems and not touch them for pruning.
Cut older ones:
The older stems become worn out and brown. Cut those older ones.
Use a pruning trimmer:
Use a pruning trimmer to cut off the old stems.
These stems are not beneficial. They hinder the growth of the new ones in proper shape. The dried stems and seeds are not useful for birds. And these plants are tough. So, you do not have to be gentle while pruning.
Collect and clean:
Collect all the dried stems and seeds. Clean all the fallen foliage and seed pods around the newly grown plants.
Discard waste parts:
Discard these waste parts and give the new catmints enough space and shape.
Prune the new plants:
Prune the new plants half their size. Do it in the fall after their first bloom. It will help the plants to grow new flowers in the next season.
Final thoughts
In general, catmint plants are not invasive. Some species and environmental factors can make them invasive. But you can control this nature of catmints by taking proper measures and maintenance. These plants can spread a maximum of 36 inches or 3 feet. Plant them with proper gaps and sunlight.