Nepeta Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 26th Nov 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Nepeta plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Nepeta features aromatic foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers. This perennial is renowned for its ability to attract bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's drought-tolerant and thrives in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay.
- General Care: Low maintenance; requires minimal watering once established. Pruning after the first bloom can encourage a second flush of flowers.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Catmint is an excellent choice for beginners. Its easy care, drought tolerance, and ability to attract wildlife make it a rewarding and hassle-free plant for new gardeners.
Catnip and Catmint: Cultivation & Garden Use
Nepeta Plants are bushy hardy perennials that range from 15 to 90 cm (6 to 36 inches) in height.
They have an abundance if small purple, yellow, blue or white flowers that bloom from the end of spring and throughout summer.
Their size makes Nepeta useful as an edging plant or for use at the front of a border.
Some common names for Nepeta include Catnip and Catmint.
Nepeta faassenii (Garden catmint/Faassen's catnip) picture by KingsbraeGarden
As the name implies these plants are loved by cats. The leaves and flowers can be dried for later use by pet lovers.
Nepeta cataria photograph by barockschloss.
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Nepeta Growing and Care Guide
- Common Names: Catnip, Catmint.
- Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
- Height: 6 to 36 inches (15 to 90 cm).
- Native: Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Growing Region: Zones 3 to 9.
- Flowers: Late spring through to the end of summer.
- Flower Details: White, blue, purple, yellow. Massed. Tiny.
- Foliage: Herbaceous. Heart-shaped. Opposite.
- Sow Outside: Seeds: Cover seed. Start of spring - before the last frost, or towards the end of autumn.
- Sow Inside: Germination time: one to three weeks. Temperature: 60 to 70°F (15—21°C). Start two months in advance. Transplant outdoors just before the expected last light frost or towards the end of autumn. Spacing 10 to 24 inches (20 to 60 cm).
- Requirements and care: Full sunlight or partial shade. Soil pH 5.5 to 7.0. Sandy soil. Light soil. Can survive in dry soils. Cutback with sheers once flowering has occurred; this may result in further blooming. To maintain vigor it is recommended to divide Nepeta plants every three years or so. Propagate: by dividing at the beginning of spring or by taking cuttings once flowering has finished.
- Family: Lamiaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Mint and Sage.
- Miscellaneous: Cats love this plant as it contains nepetalactone; if there are cats in your area and you do not want them in your garden it is not recommended to grow this plant. If you are a cat lover however… then both leaves and flowers can be dried and given as a gift to your feline friend. Can also be used to repel mosquitoes. Can be invasive in some areas, so best to grow in a contained area to prevent spread.
How to Grow Nepata
The seeds of catnip can be sown outside in the early months of spring. Lightly cover the seed once sown.
Catnip and other Nepeta like to grow in a light sandy soil; ideally the pH will be slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7).
They can grow in either sunny or partially shaded parts of the garden.
When first growing Catnip and catmint indoors then start about 10 weeks in advance.
It should take about one to three weeks to germinate at 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (59 to 68°F).
Once ready the plants should be spaced at about 20 to 60 cm (8 to 24 inches) apart (depending on Nepeta species size). Plant out into the garden either in the autumn. or before the last frost of spring.
Caring for Catnip Plants
It is easy to maintain catmint, catnip and other Nepeta species; they are drought tolerant.
For continuous blooming, cut back after flowering before seed is produced.
Common Questions
How many members does the Nepeta genus contain?
The Nepeta genus contains about 250 species. Many of which are known for their aromatic qualities.
Do Nepeta members make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Nepeta species are highly valued in gardening for their hardiness, low maintenance, and charming, profuse blooms that attract pollinators.
Which Nepeta species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The most frequently grown species is Nepeta cataria (Catnip), and Nepeta faassenii (Catmint). They're loved for their aromatic foliage and pretty blue flowers.
Are Nepeta plants fragrant?
Yes, many Nepeta species, like Catnip and Catmint, have strongly fragrant foliage, which is particularly enticing to cats.
What is the perfect location to grow Nepeta?
Nepeta thrives in a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. They're drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
Is Nepeta invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Nepeta species are not currently considered invasive in the USA. However, they can self-seed prolifically, so occasional monitoring is needed.
How do I remove Nepeta plants from my garden?
To remove Nepeta, dig out the entire plant, making sure to remove all the roots to prevent regrowth. Regular deadheading can prevent unwanted self-seeding.
Summary
The Nepeta genus, which contains catmint, is a member of the Lamiaceae family. This group of herbaceous perennials is known for their aromatic foliage and spikes of small, usually lavender-blue flowers. These plants are often used for their ornamental and medicinal properties.
Planting Nepeta is best done in the spring or autumn in full sun or partial shade, with well-drained soil. They are easy to grow, withstanding drought and poor soil conditions, making them an excellent choice for rock gardens or border fronts.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Nepeta plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Moluccella, Ajuga plant, Sanguinaria plant, and Prunella plants.
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