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Ask The Yard Doctor garden Perennials

Something wrong with Catmint

4 years ago

I have a 2 year old Catmint plant, zone 6. This spring it started developing spots and is producing a froth (see images). It’s also extremely flat in the center and droopy. Does anyone have an idea of what’s going on and what the possible solution would be? Much thanks ahead of time for helping a novice out!

Comments (4)

Nevermore44 - 6a
4 years ago
The froth are spittle bugs... you can spray them off. You’ll see the yellow bug hiding in the froth. They never seem to do to much damage them.

The leaf issue... don’t know. Maybe a mite? Others might chime in.

The flattened area... do you have any cats in the area. Growing up we would have the neighbor’s cats just lay in the middle of the catnip high as a kite.

Kinds regardless of of all the issues .... I would say just hack it back and let it regrow.
party_music50
4 years ago
Houzz wasn't letting me comment on your thread earlier. I don't see spittle bugs in your photos, but agree that's probably what caused any frothy spots. The other leaf damage looks like it could be from flea beetles. The flattening of entire plants, like in your last photo, is probably caused by cats laying or rolling in the plant.
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StevePA6a
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Yes, bugs seems likely for the spottiness and spittle, but if you're in an area that has been getting an abundance of rain, it can certainly flatten it out.

I agree to cutting it back to regrow.
stp4779
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you everyone for your advice! I decided to cut it down and see if it improves when it grows back. We have been getting a LOT of rain lately - honestly it could be a combination of that and cats flattening it out. We have one stray cat that I know of. In the meantime, I’ll look into flea beetles.

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