Schizonepeta tenuifolia Seeds | Catmint Herb
LATIN NAME: Schizonepeta tenuifolia
COMMON NAME: Catmint Herb
Plant Profile
Catmint Herb (Schizonepeta tenuifolia) grows as a herb in the mint family. While it flowers, it feeds a quiet procession of bees and hoverflies. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the mint family, Schizonepeta tenuifolia draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Aromatic compounds of catmint herb give it a long place in research on medicinal herbs of mint family, and tenuifolia species appears in studies of essential oil chemistry and long flowering season. Gardeners benefit directly from its long cultivation: what the plant will do in a garden is well understood.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Catmint Herb has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In sunny garden, catmint herb whisks summer border with violet spikes. Flowers feed bees through summer, herb has served traditional remedies for generations, and plant fills herb border and wild corner. It grows well in well-drained, sunny ground. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
Schizonepeta, Jing Jie, is a classical Chinese exterior-releasing herb used at the onset of colds and for skin eruptions; its minty spikes are easy to grow and pleasant in summer teas.
Growing from Seed
Catmint Herb grows readily from seed. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Catmint Herb repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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