Alphabetical Plant Listing

Nepeta cataria (Catnip)

Catmint, Catnep, Catnip, Cat in Clover, Cat's Heal-All


Nepeta cataria (Catnip) is a vigorous herbaceous perennial forming a spreading clump of erect, branched stems with aromatic, soft, oval to triangular, gray-green, toothed leaves, 3 in. long (7 cm). From late spring to early fall, they are topped with long, dense spikes of small white flowers spotted with violet. Easy-to-grow, Nepeta cataria is not very ornamental, but it deserves a spot in the herb garden. As a medicinal herb, Catnip is an excellent remedy for children, resolving feverish conditions and alleviating colic. Catnip can also be used for making an herbal tea that reportedly helps reduce stress, induce sleep, promote perspiration (fever/cold relief), soothe sore throats, and comfort upset stomachs. For the safe and appropriate use of Catnip, consult a healthcare professional. Its fresh leaves, rich in mint flavor, may be added to soups, sauces, vegetables, or pasta as a culinary herb. Finally, Catnip is a repellant for certain insects, including mosquitoes and cockroaches. To harvest Catnip, cut the stems to the ground and hang them upside down in a well-aired place. When perfectly dry, remove the foliage and store it in an airtight container for storage or use immediately for herbal teas, potpourris, or even cat toy fill!

  • Grows up to 24-36 inches tall and wide (60-90 cm). This plant will self-seed in the garden, often profusely.
  • Performs best in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It thrives in dry soils and is highly drought tolerant.
  • A remarkably low-maintenance plant, this excellent performer is highly versatile and can be used in many situations: beds and borders, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens, and wildlife gardens. Nepeta is perfect for underplanting roses as the colors complement each other, and the foliage hides the bare feet of the rose bushes.
  • Attracts butterflies but is ignored by deer.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, and powdery mildew in dry summers.
  • Trim after flowering to keep plants compact and promote continued bloom.
  • Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings in early summer, semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn, or by division.
  • Most cats enjoy rubbing or chewing on the leaves of Catnip, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It makes some cats sedated, and others stimulated.
  • Native to Europe, Southwestern, and Central Asia.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.

Not sure which Nepeta - Catmint to pick?
Compare All Nepeta - Catmint

Buy Nepeta cataria (Catnip)

Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Herbs, Perennials
Plant Family Nepeta - Catmint
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow

Buy Plants

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Nepeta - Catmint

Guides with Nepeta - Catmint


Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Herbs, Perennials
Plant Family Nepeta - Catmint
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Nepeta - Catmint

Guides with Nepeta - Catmint

Plant Calculator

How many Nepeta cataria (Catnip) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Nepeta cataria (Catnip)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.