Fassin catnip is a wonderful ornamental plant that can fit into almost any flower arrangement and decorate a garden plot. This plant is especially fond of landscape designers because of the long flowering period and exquisite appearance, reminiscent of lavender. The rather unusual name of the plant was obtained due to the alluring smell that attracts cats, like valerian. In the people, catnip is often called catnip. In this article, we will talk in detail about Fassen catnip, the care of which will not cause you any trouble at all, and also share ways to use this plant not only for decorative purposes, but also for other purposes.
Description and chemical composition
Fassena's catnip (Nepeta Faassenii, lat.) is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the mint family. This plant appeared due to the crossing of Mussini catnip and Nepetella. The bush has erect stems from 20 to 60 centimeters high, as well as a branched root system. The shape of the leaves is oval, close to heart-shaped and has pointed edges. foliage colorvaries from gray-green to deep emerald. As you can see in the photo of Fassen's catnip, the main shades of its inflorescences are blue, cyan and lavender. Catnip blooms throughout all three months of summer, some varieties are able to bloom twice.
The plant is characterized as frost-resistant, warm and moisture-loving. Kotovnik has a pleasant mint aroma and a bitter-spicy taste. Under natural conditions, it grows in meadows and forest clearings, as well as along rocky roads.
The leaves and stems of catnip have a high content of essential oils, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins and tannins. Therefore, the plant is widely used not only for decorative purposes, but also for medicinal purposes, as well as in cooking.
Varieties
Among the variety of Fassen catnip varieties, several of the most popular can be distinguished. In this section, we will tell you more about each of them.
- Fassena Catnip Six Hills Giant. This variety reaches half a meter in height and is distinguished by the rich blue colors of the petals. Spreading dense shrub with bright green leaves blooms from early May to late August. The catnip of this variety prefers fertile soil of a light structure, and also takes root well in sunny areas. It is drought tolerant, grows fairly quickly and has a pleasant aroma that combines notes of lemon and mint. Pairs well with roses and other ornamental perennials.
- Fassena Catnip Light blue. A low bush, reaching a height of no more than 30 centimeters. This varietyone of the few who prefer sunny places for landing. The flowers of this catnip have a delicate blue color with a lilac tint and are collected in oblong inflorescences. Most often used to create living borders.
- Fassin's Catnip Blue Wonder. Dwarf variety no more than 20 centimeters high. A dense and fluffy bush during the flowering period is covered with spike-shaped flowers of azure color. Flowering lasts from June to September. The variety does not require special care and grows quite quickly.
- Fassin Catnip Walkers Low. Perennial plant with a spicy aroma, reaching half a meter in height. Differs in double blossoming - in May and September. This variety does not require shelter for the winter, and prefers moderate soil moisture in summer.
Catnip or lemon balm?
Fassin catnip is often confused with lemon balm. The structure of these plants is indeed very similar. The color of catnip leaves has a rich green color, while lemon balm has gray-silver leaves. In addition, the aroma of these plants is also different. To activate the aroma of catnip, you need to properly rub the leaf in your hands, in the case of lemon balm, it’s enough just to be near the bush - it smells much more intense. Catnip has a touch of geranium in the aroma, while lemon balm has a subtle lemon tint. The height of the plants also differs: the catnip grows almost a meter in partial shade, while the lemon balm is much lower - it does not exceed forty centimeters.
Medical applications
RichThe chemical composition of catnip allows it to be used for medicinal purposes. The following properties of the plant are widely known:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antipyretic;
- expectorants;
- antispasmodic;
- tonic;
- hemostatic.
Various decoctions and infusions are prepared from catnip, which are used for cardiovascular diseases, problems with the digestive and genitourinary systems. Effective use of catnip for bronchitis, gastritis, migraine, insomnia and anemia. Preparations from this plant relieve pain, eliminate cramps and relieve worms.
Fassin catnip in landscape design
Kotniki is characterized by rather rare cool shades of blue, and therefore occupies a special place in landscape design. Using this plant, you can wonderfully decorate the area along the paths, creating a hedge. Catnip also looks good in flower beds. Miniature varieties are often used for landscaping roofs and facades of houses. Catnip fits perfectly into almost any flower arrangement. And he always looks very magnificent and rich. Gardeners advise to combine it with roses, lavender, sage, phlox, peonies.
Use in cooking
Due to the original and rich taste, combining lemon and mint, as well as the spicy aroma, catnip is often used in cooking. The stems and leaves are dried and then crushed intopowder. This spice is great for meat and fish dishes, it is also added to various sauces and marinades. Some gourmets prefer catnip in desserts and jams. In addition, the spice is an ingredient in some varieties of cheeses and alcoholic beverages, such as vermouth. Dried catnip stems are also added to tea, giving it an amazing aroma and taste.
Landing
Fassin catnip is desirable to be planted in areas where vegetables were previously grown. In addition, it is preferable to use shaded areas with calcareous soil.
This plant can be planted both in open ground and in a greenhouse. Before sowing in open ground, which is carried out no earlier than April, the soil is dug up and well spilled with water. Seeds of catnip Fassen are sown to a depth of no more than a centimeter. The distance between rows should be about 30 centimeters. The first shoots appear already 5-7 days after sowing. As soon as full-fledged leaves appear on the sprouts, it's time to apply top dressing.
When planting catnip in a greenhouse, the seeds are planted at the same depth, but the distance between them is reduced to 5-8 centimeters. After that, the plantings are covered with a film until the first shoots appear. Sowing is done in the second half of March, and the first shoots can be expected no earlier than mid-April. After the appearance of the first leaves on the sprouts, the seedlings are picked into separate pots or containers. After 1.5-2 months, the root system is fully developed, and the plant is ready for transplanting into an opensoil.
Growing conditions
Kotniki is called an unpretentious plant for a reason. It grows well in almost any soil, but fertilization is considered a desirable measure to care for it. After the end of flowering, at the beginning of autumn, about 3 kilograms of compost or humus are applied to the soil per square meter of land. In spring, the plant is fed with complex mineral preparations containing potassium and phosphorus.
Cultivation of catnip is most preferable in the middle and southern latitudes. The ideal temperature for planting and further growth is the range from +16 to +21 ° C. It is best to plant the plant in a little shading. With prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, Fassen's catnip quickly fades and dies with the onset of autumn.
Water and plant care
Fassin catnip, being a perennial plant, is able to live for a long time with proper care and timely watering. Despite the general resistance to drought, the plant requires regular soil moisture, which directly affects the state of greenery and flowering splendor.
Water the plant only after the topsoil has dried. Too frequent and abundant watering leads to rotting of the root system and, as a result, the complete death of the plant. In order to avoid stagnant water, be sure to consider the drainage system.
Be sure to remove faded inflorescences. This procedure will not only improveappearance of the plant, but also will extend the flowering period. By removing wilted flowers, you make room for new ones. Receiving such simple care, the catnip grows quite quickly and fills the site with a fragrant aroma.
Young plants are a favorite delicacy of various pests, such as mole cricket and slugs. Special traps or technical oil will help get rid of them, the smell of which repels many harmful insects. It is enough to prepare several containers with oil, which are located between the bushes.
Reproduction
Fassin catnip is propagated in three main ways:
- Seeds - planting material is sown immediately in open ground, bypassing the seedling stage.
- Seedling - the most preferred method of propagation, which involves pre-sowing seeds for seedlings and its subsequent transplantation into open ground (after the formation of full-fledged leaves on sprouts).
- Root division - in early spring or autumn, they dig out the largest and strongest bush and divide it into several parts so that each of them has at least 3-4 generative buds. Each seedling is planted in separate prepared holes. This plant rejuvenation procedure should be carried out every 3-4 years.
