The world of catnip can quickly become confusing for laypeople. After all, there are numerous varieties that differ, among other things, in terms of their flowering time, flower color, growth size, location requirements and resistance. Here you will get an overview of the best varieties.
Which types of catnip are recommended?
The best catnip varieties are gray-leaved ones like 'Superba', 'Grog' and 'Walkers Low' and green-leaved ones like 'Manchu Blue'. Insider tips include 'Snowflake', 'Gletschereis', 'Blue Danube' and 'Dawn to Dusk'. There are differences in flower color, flowering time, growth size, location requirements and resistance.
The differences between gray and green leaf varieties
First, a distinction must be made between gray and green-leaved varieties. The gray-leaved varieties are more common and less demanding to handle. They are considered to be extremely drought and heat tolerant and cope excellently with nutrient-poor substrates. The low specimens among them grow to a height of between 20 and 30 cm. The larger specimens can reach heights of up to 1 m.
On the other hand, the green-leaved catnips are considered more difficult to handle. They cannot cope with southern exposures and heat. They also do not tolerate dry soil. They need moisture and prefer to grow in partial shade. These include, for example, the variety 'Manchu Blue', which blooms in a blue-violet color from May to June.
Known purple flowering varieties
The catnip 'Superba' is probably the most robust variety. It is tried and tested and dates back to 1804. Its strengths are its enormously rich flower flora and its undemanding nature. It presents its flowers as early as April.
Other varieties with purple flowers are:
- ‘Grog’: grey-leaved, subtle citrus-like scent, red calyxes
- 'Odeur Citron': grey-leaved, strong citrus aroma that cats don't like
- 'Walkers Low': grey-leaved, intense flower color, richly flowering, up to 80 cm high
Insider tips among catnips
Varieties that are less well known, but absolutely recommended for perennial beds as they create nice contrasts are the following:
- ‘Snowflake’: white-flowering, strong-growing
- 'Glacier Ice': silver-blue flowers, extremely delicate looking
- ‘Blue Danube’: blue-violet flowers, up to 120 cm high
- ‘Dawn to Dusk’: purple calyxes and delicate purple-pink flowers
Tips & Tricks
'Walkers Low' is considered the best variety. It impresses with its colorful and numerous flowers, which outshine those of other varieties
