Pest identification
What's eating my nepeta racemosa 'blue wonder'?
Spittlebug (froghopper)
Signs: White foamy blobs encasing nymphs on lower stems in May–June; minor aesthetic nuisance, rarely weakens plants.
Control: Wash off with a strong water jet; no spray needed for isolated cases on otherwise healthy plants.
Aphids
Signs: Small colonies on young tips and flower buds, especially after cutting back; causes slight distortion.
Control: Spray with water or insecticidal soap; encourage ladybirds; trim hard after first flush to reset growth.
Cats
Signs: Crushed and snapped stems from cats attracted to the nepetalactone in the foliage, especially on newly planted specimens.
Control: Protect new plantings with wire hoops or prickly brushwood until plants are established and resilient.
Keep nepeta racemosa 'blue wonder' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats raceme catmint — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common nepeta racemosa 'blue wonder' problems & fixes
- Nepeta racemosa 'Blue Wonder' watering schedule
- Nepeta racemosa 'Blue Wonder' light requirements
- Full nepeta racemosa 'blue wonder' care guide
Nepeta racemosa 'Blue Wonder' pests — FAQ
What is eating my nepeta racemosa 'blue wonder'?
Nepeta racemosa 'Blue Wonder' is strongly aromatic and resists most insect pests. Spittlebugs are the most frequent visitor, leaving frothy masses on stems in early summer. Aphids occasionally appear on fresh post-trim growth. Like all catmints it attracts cats that can physically damage plants by rolling on them.
How do I get rid of spittlebug (froghopper) on nepeta racemosa 'blue wonder'?
White foamy blobs encasing nymphs on lower stems in May–June; minor aesthetic nuisance, rarely weakens plants. Wash off with a strong water jet; no spray needed for isolated cases on otherwise healthy plants.
How do I get rid of aphids on nepeta racemosa 'blue wonder'?
Small colonies on young tips and flower buds, especially after cutting back; causes slight distortion. Spray with water or insecticidal soap; encourage ladybirds; trim hard after first flush to reset growth.
How do I get rid of cats on nepeta racemosa 'blue wonder'?
Crushed and snapped stems from cats attracted to the nepetalactone in the foliage, especially on newly planted specimens. Protect new plantings with wire hoops or prickly brushwood until plants are established and resilient.