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Nepeta cataria

Also Known As

Catnip

Plant type

perennial, herb

size

H: 2'-3'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

3a-8b

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Nepeta cataria plant details

Nepeta cataria is a broadleaf deciduous perennial herb with blue and green foliage. In fall and summer lavender flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees and beneficial insects making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Nepeta cataria

Plant type: perennial herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: lavender blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, cottage garden, culinary, fragrant foliage

GROWING CONDITIONS for Nepeta cataria

USDA Zones: 3a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The real deal, the genuine item – BRING A PRESENT HOME FOR YOUR KITTY! This is the ‘herb of choice’ for those feline members of your family, fresh or dried, this plant will make your pussy purr! Grow like you would other herbs in a sunny spot, in the ground or in a pot – an easy perennial – however, this plant has been known to disappear (wonder why??) – Buy TWO!

By: Secret Garden Growers

Introduced to America by the Colonists, catnip has a long history in herbal apothocaries. Among a myriad of uses catnip tea is relaxing and soothing, especially effective in children. Most cats, on the other hand, are aroused by its signature potent minty scent that mimics cat pheromones, rubbing and rolling on the plant and eating it in apparent abandon. After 30 minutes or so they become temporaryily immune to its effects, a good thing as some cats can demolish the plants. Kittens, however, dislike catnip. Easy to grow, it can be pinched to cultivate a bushy form full of leaves, not flowers, preventing it from reseeding excessively.