A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), this genus of around 250 mainly aromatic perennials is native to a wide area of Eurasia, North Africa, and the mountains of tropical Africa. They are mainly low-growing plants, rather sprawling in habit, with small, toothed, often aromatic leaves. In summer the gray-green foliage disappears under upright spikes bearing many tiny flowers along their length. The 2-lipped flowers range in color from white to mauve-blue to deep purple. Nepeta hybrids make exceptional garden plants and are ideal for herbaceous borders, for edgings, or as ground covers. The common names of catnip and catmint refer to the fondness that cats have for playing and lying in this plant.
CULTIVATION
Best grown in full sun, Nepeta species prefer light free-draining soil. Pinch back in spring to encourage compact growth and water well. Cutting back the plants each year will maintain their shape and keep them tidy. Propagation is by division, from cuttings taken during late spring or summer, or from seed.
Top Tip
Nepeta species self-seed very freely and can become invasive. To prevent this, give the plants a light trim in the grown season and cut back the old growth in spring.
CULTIVATION
Best grown in full sun, Nepeta species prefer light free-draining soil. Pinch back in spring to encourage compact growth and water well. Cutting back the plants each year will maintain their shape and keep them tidy. Propagation is by division, from cuttings taken during late spring or summer, or from seed.
Top Tip
Nepeta species self-seed very freely and can become invasive. To prevent this, give the plants a light trim in the grown season and cut back the old growth in spring.
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