Dwarf catnip (Nepeta racemosa), including cultivars like ‘Walker’s Low’, is a compact, aromatic herb. It is valued for its ornamental appeal and its effect on felines. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a popular choice for gardeners.
What is Dwarf Catnip
Dwarf catnip is a herbaceous perennial. It forms a compact, bushy mound, growing 12 to 18 inches tall and spreading up to 18 inches wide. The plant has gray-green, aromatic foliage with small, ovate leaves. From late spring through early fall, it produces abundant spikes of small, two-lipped flowers in shades of lavender-blue to violet.
Both dwarf catnip (Nepeta racemosa) and common catnip (Nepeta cataria) are in the mint family and contain nepetalactone, the cat-attracting compound. Common catnip is larger and more sprawling, reaching up to three feet tall. Dwarf varieties are more contained and compact, making them suitable for smaller spaces, rock gardens, or as edging plants. They also have a longer blooming period.
Growing Dwarf Catnip
Planting dwarf catnip is best done in spring or early fall. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for their mature spread. Dwarf catnip adapts well to garden beds, containers, and rock gardens, and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9.
For best growth, dwarf catnip requires full sun exposure, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but reduced light may result in less vigorous growth and fewer blooms. The plant prefers well-draining soil and tolerates a range of soil types, including poor or rocky conditions. An ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.5.
Dwarf catnip is drought-tolerant once established. Newly planted specimens and those in containers benefit from regular watering to encourage root development. Avoid overwatering, as soggy conditions can lead to root rot. Dwarf catnip requires little to no fertilization, especially in good soil. If soil nutrients are lacking, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can support healthy growth.
Pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages continuous blooming. Shearing spent flower spikes after the initial flush of blooms promotes reblooming throughout the growing season. This practice also helps prevent aggressive self-seeding.
Benefits for Cats
Dwarf catnip is known for its stimulating effects on many cats, due to the compound nepetalactone. This chemical, found in the leaves and stems, interacts with receptors in a cat’s nose, leading to a range of behaviors. Reactions can include playful hyperactivity, rolling, rubbing, purring, or a relaxed demeanor. About two-thirds of adult cats exhibit a noticeable behavioral response to nepetalactone.
Gardeners can use dwarf catnip to enrich a cat’s environment by offering fresh sprigs or rubbing leaves on scratching posts and toys. This encourages natural behaviors and provides mental stimulation for feline companions. Kittens under three months old and some older cats may not react to catnip.
Dwarf catnip is considered safe for cats to consume in moderation. While cats may chew or ingest parts of the plant, the primary effect comes from the aroma of nepetalactone. Monitoring a pet’s reaction is advisable to ensure they respond positively and do not consume excessive amounts, which could lead to mild digestive upset.
Troubleshooting and Considerations
Dwarf catnip is resistant to many common garden pests and diseases. However, occasional issues can arise. Spider mites may appear in very dry conditions, identifiable by fine webbing and tiny specks on leaves. Powdery mildew may affect plants in areas with high humidity or poor air circulation, appearing as a white, powdery coating on foliage. Proper spacing and good airflow can help mitigate these problems.
Harvesting dwarf catnip at the right time maximizes its potency. The leaves contain the highest concentration of nepetalactone just before the plant begins to flower. To harvest, cut stems a few inches above the ground, allowing the plant to regrow for subsequent harvests.
For long-term use, dwarf catnip can be dried and stored. Air drying by hanging small bundles of stems upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area is an effective method. Once the leaves are dry and crumbly, remove them from the stems and store them in an airtight container. Storing dried catnip in a cool, dark place away from heat and light helps preserve its potency for up to a year.