Catnip 'Lemon'
Lemon catnip (Nepeta cataria 'Lemon') is a delightful and aromatic herb that combines the soothing qualities of traditional catnip with a refreshing lemony twist. This specific cultivar is known for its bright green, fragrant leaves that emit a citrusy scent reminiscent of lemon when crushed. Lemon catnip belongs to the mint family and shares some characteristics with its well-known relative, catnip (Nepeta cataria). The plant typically reaches a height of about 2 to 3 feet and produces clusters of small, tubular flowers in white to lavender hues during the blooming season.
Gardeners and cat enthusiasts appreciate lemon catnip for its dual appeal – not only does it attract and engage cats with the playful reactions commonly associated with catnip, but it also offers a pleasant lemon fragrance. The leaves can be dried and used to make herbal teas, providing a soothing and aromatic beverage. Lemon catnip can be grown in garden beds or containers, and its resilience makes it a versatile addition to herb gardens or landscapes, offering both visual and olfactory appeal.
To cultivate and enjoy lemon catnip, provide it with well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and occasional pruning to encourage bushy growth. Whether you're cultivating it for the enjoyment of your feline companions or as a fragrant herb for human use, lemon catnip adds a delightful twist to the garden, bringing together the beloved characteristics of catnip with the bright and invigorating essence of lemon.
Gardeners and cat enthusiasts appreciate lemon catnip for its dual appeal – not only does it attract and engage cats with the playful reactions commonly associated with catnip, but it also offers a pleasant lemon fragrance. The leaves can be dried and used to make herbal teas, providing a soothing and aromatic beverage. Lemon catnip can be grown in garden beds or containers, and its resilience makes it a versatile addition to herb gardens or landscapes, offering both visual and olfactory appeal.
To cultivate and enjoy lemon catnip, provide it with well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and occasional pruning to encourage bushy growth. Whether you're cultivating it for the enjoyment of your feline companions or as a fragrant herb for human use, lemon catnip adds a delightful twist to the garden, bringing together the beloved characteristics of catnip with the bright and invigorating essence of lemon.
Lemon catnip (Nepeta cataria 'Lemon') shares general growing conditions with traditional catnip but offers the additional benefit of a lemony fragrance. Here are the preferred growing conditions for lemon catnip:
- Sunlight: Lemon catnip prefers full to partial sunlight. Plant it in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight helps promote healthy growth and the development of aromatic compounds.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for lemon catnip. It can tolerate various soil types, but soil that is loamy and well-draining is ideal. Good drainage helps prevent issues like root rot.
- Watering: Lemon catnip is drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering is beneficial for optimal growth. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be cautious not to overwater, as catnips generally dislike waterlogged conditions.
- Temperature: Lemon catnip is a hardy perennial that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. It tends to flourish in cooler climates but can adapt to warmer conditions with proper care.
- Spacing: Provide sufficient spacing between lemon catnip plants, usually around 18 to 24 inches. This allows for good air circulation and prevents the spread of diseases.
- Companion Planting: Catnips, including lemon catnip, are known for their ability to repel certain insects. Planting them near other crops can help deter pests like mosquitoes and aphids.
- Pruning: Regular pruning can help maintain a bushy and compact shape for lemon catnip. Pinching back the tips of the stems encourages branching and promotes a fuller appearance. Pruning also prevents the plant from becoming overly leggy.
- Container Growing: Lemon catnip can be grown successfully in containers. Use well-draining potting soil and ensure the container has drainage holes. Container gardening is useful if you want to control the spread of catnip, as it can be a vigorous grower and may self-seed.
Here's a simple recipe for Lemon Catnip Infused Lemonade:
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lemon catnip leaves (washed)
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves (optional)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup honey or sweetener of choice
- 6 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and catnip sprigs for garnish
- Prepare the Lemon Catnip Infusion:
- In a saucepan, combine the fresh lemon catnip leaves and lemon balm leaves (if using) with 2 cups of water.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes. This helps infuse the lemon catnip flavor into the water.
- Remove from heat and let it cool. Strain the infusion to remove the leaves, resulting in a lemon catnip-infused liquid.
- Make the Lemonade Base:
- In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice and honey. Stir well to dissolve the honey.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Pour the lemon catnip infusion into the pitcher with the lemonade base.
- Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water and stir thoroughly.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the lemonade until well-chilled.
- Serve over ice cubes in glasses.
- Garnish:
- Garnish each glass with lemon slices and sprigs of fresh lemon catnip for a decorative touch.