Last updated on September 23rd, 2022 at 01:33 pm
Everyone loves the catmint! They are effortless to grow as they need little time to attend to and are one set of resilient plants.
The ability to blend into every environment due to its colors and aromatic nature is an added advantage to this plant’s list of many characteristics.
It is easy to quickly see that the benefits of catmint are not just for your cat alone, but they can also be beneficial to you in more ways than one.
The catmint is one surprisingly tough plant. They can survive in the extremes of conditions and can still bloom all year round.
Catmints are drought resistant, never needing fertilizers, as they can survive as long as the soil is loosely drained.
If you are still wondering if the catmint can grow in the shade despite having listed just a few of the wonders of the plant, then you may still be surprised by the answer.
Can catmints grow in the shade?
Yes, the catmint can grow in the shade. However, this is not ideal. The plant is a survivor and most likely grew in partial shade because it can adapt to most environments. Again, this is not the best as the catmint thrives in an environment where it can receive sunlight and do better.
Does Catmint Die in Winter?
As stated earlier, catmint is ridiculously easy to train primarily because they do not need a lot to survive. One unique characteristic of the catmint is survival in extreme conditions where other plants can not survive.
Not worrying about your catmint all year round is a plus, but winter is coming, and you do not know if your catmint can survive such an extreme condition.
It is no surprise when other plants do not, and as sturdy as the catmint can be, you may still be worried about your catmint plant as winter approaches.
Worry not; your catmint would be safe for the winter though they may need a little help.
The catmint tends to grow or appear like a weed during the winter as a mechanism needed to survive.
As such, you are responsible for trimming them so your catmint would revive back to its usual self as soon as winter passes.
Why Should I Prune My Catmint in Winter?
Catmint barely needs any attention all year round, and they do not bother you. They are great for owners who love their nature and added benefits but are not the biggest on gardening or taking care of plants.
However, we all need a little help sometimes, and it doesn’t hurt to give your catmint attention now and then.
The best time your catmint needs you the most is during the winter season as they can survive independently, without any attention on other occasions.
During winter, your catmint isn’t the most attractive and may develop weed-like growths.
Pruning them during this period is essential as it allows them to grow new leaves during the spring.
Without pruning your catmint, it only appears untidy and prevents it from reaching its full potential back and quickly after the winter passes.
Also, pruning them during the winter prevents them from housing harmful pests and insects that may hide under them and breed.
Pruning is not only essential in winter; you can do it during other seasons. However, your catmint can live without being pruned during other seasons.
Other reasons you should prune your catmint, though not necessarily during the winter, including enabling them to re-grow with brand new leaves and encouraging more flowers during the blooming season.
How To Prune My Catmint?
Pruning your catmint is straightforward and can be done with simple garden tools readily available at your disposal.
Garden tools like pruning shears and rakes are essential.
However, to prevent your catmint from getting any infection or transmitting diseases into your catmint, disinfect your tools before using them on the plant.
If you are pruning your catmint in the winter, wait until the plant is inactive in the height of the winter season before pruning.
Use your pruning shears to cut off the plant’s stems completely, or you can cut off excess stems enough to reduce the size of the plant to about half its original.
If you plan on pruning your catmint during seasons other than winter, such as the blooming season, little pruning of the branches is enough to keep your plant going.
You can also prune them down completely during specific periods to encourage the regrowth of new leaves of the plant.
The catmint is tough. You need not worry too much about your plant when pruning. It will most likely be fine.
After pruning, use your rake to remove the pruned branches or flowers away from the site, and avoid hurting the stems of your catmint.
Conclusion
The catmint is a relatively sturdy plant. It survives in conditions of drought, inadequate sunlight, and temperature extremes.
Though it barely needs any intervention from humans, sometimes it may need a little help, and most times, it’s for pruning them.
Pruning can be done all year round as it has benefits, but the catmint needs pruning essentially during the winter, helping it grow correctly after winter cold.
Pruning barely takes time and can be done relatively quickly with simple gardening tools and certain precautions.
However, if you do not wish to prune your catmint, consider planting them indoors to shade them during the winter.
Taking care of the catmint is relatively easy, and they are known to be resilient plants. Therefore, you wouldn’t have to worry about them only when it is time to prune most of the time.
If you do not fancy the idea of pruning your catmint, you can always plant them indoors or in a greenhouse. There is barely any reason that will hinder you from getting this plant!
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