Cat Nip and Cat Mint – Nepeta
Nepeta, Catnip and ‘Catmint’ are perennial herbs or flowering plants used in garden borders and as an insect repellent. Giant Catmint Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ is one of the better known cultivars.
And if you are looking for a hardy drought tolerant plant that that is easy care, then this is a genus worth looking at.
Nepeta x faasenii ‘Walkers Low’ and ‘Six Hill Giant are two popular varieties. Both drought tolerant, long flowering and easy care ground cover plants.
Catnip which is Nepeta cataria is less ornamental than catmint which is Nepeta mussinii. However the many cultivars that are available are best looked at for their own qualities.
The Real Catnip Plant
Not all species are the real ‘Catnip’ just the one. Catnip plants are the species Nepeta cataria. These are an interesting plant, some cats just love it and will roll all over it and play with it. They are a perennial herb and are easy to grow. Not only useful to keep the cat amused but also a great garden plant as well.
Nepeta Varieties
Nepeta a great border plant. Attractive green to grey foliage, white, blue to lilac tubular flowers.
- Nepeta ‘Souvenir de andre Chandron’, with sky blue is a spectacular Nepeta, with large flowers and leaves.
- Nepeta ‘Six Hill’s Giant’ is a taller growing variety.
- Nepeta mussini also acts as an insect repellent.
- Nepeta ‘Walkers Blue’
- Nepeta ‘Walker Low’ reaches around 40 – 50 cm in height.
- ‘Blue Wonder’ is a new release smaller growing to around 30 cm
- N. citriodora is a lemon scented catmint.
Care
This is a tough drought tolerant plant once established. Long flowering and in a good well drained humus rich soil requires little care other than light pruning to tidy up.
An all purpose slow release fertiliser once or twice a year is usually sufficient.
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Cat Nip Plants (Nepeta species) are available for sale from the following nurseries
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
www.planterspatch.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au