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best nepeta

If you’re searching for the best nepeta to add colour and resilience to your New Zealand garden, you’re in the right place. Nepeta, commonly known as catmint, is beloved for its long-blooming blue to purple flowers, aromatic silver-green foliage, and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Catmint thrives in a wide range of conditions and is incredibly easy to maintain, making it one of the top choices for borders, cottage gardens, and even containers. But with so many beautiful varieties available, how can you choose the best nepeta for your garden’s specific needs? Let’s explore some top-rated selections to suit different spaces and styles.

A large Calamagrostis 'Overdam' grass with elegant, variegated foliage.

Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

5 from 1 customers

Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’ is a striking variegated ornamental grass that delivers elegant upright form and delicate texture to garden borders and landscaping. With green and creamy-white striped foliage and feathery plumes in summer, this clump-forming grass is both functional and decorative.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 90 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn, Winter
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'

5 from 1 customers

Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum' (Spider Plant) is a popular evergreen perennial valued for its arching green and white striped foliage and easy care nature. The long, narrow leaves form a graceful clump, while mature plants produce cascading stems carrying small white flowers and young plantlets.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
carpodetus-serratus-4
Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$298.09
Liriope muscari 'Gold Banded' plants with colourful, variegated foliage and pink flowers.
Liriope 'Gold Banded' (Variegated Liriope)

Liriope 'Gold Banded' produces green leaves edged with gold, and masses of lavender coloured flowers in summer. This herbaceous perennial grows as a...

From$17.95
Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.
Phormium tenax

Phormium tenax, commonly known as the NZ flax or Harakeke, is a flax plant that produces erect, green, sword-like leaves. Stems rise above the...

From$7.50
fraxinus-green-glow-
Fraxinus 'Green Glow'

Fraxinus 'Green Glow' is an attractive deciduous tree valued for its fresh green foliage, upright form, and dependable seasonal structure. The leafy...

From$511.09
potting-media-
Nursery Grade Growing Media

The Plant Company growing media is top of the line and used by the best commercial nurseries. This blend has been developed over many years to...

From$29.75
Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.
Carex dissita (Purei)

Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to...

From$12.95
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$9.95
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
The best lawn fertiliser in NZ with moss killer.
Lawn Fertiliser

Achieve a vibrant, healthy lawn with our premium Lawn Fertiliser, specially formulated for New Zealand conditions. This fertiliser not only...

From$5.76
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$13.40
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Werauhia sanguinolenta

This variety of Bromeliad is grown for its amazingly coloured foliage. It features green leaves with a purple undertone, and dark purple on the leaf...

From$31.67
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.95
Feijoa Mammoth large fruit.
Feijoa 'Mammoth'

Feijoa 'Mammoth' is a popular, vigorous variety known for producing extra-large, juicy fruit with rich, aromatic flavour. It performs exceptionally...

From$35.81
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
rhipsalis-cereuscula-3
Rhipsalis cereuscula (Coral Cactus)

Commonly known as the Coral Cactus, this is a succulent grown for its slender and interesting stems. Masses of the dark green, thread-like stems are...

From$27.53
An elegant Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' white flower.
Gardenia 'Professor Pucci'

Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' is a stunning evergreen shrub known for its exceptionally large, fragrant white blooms and glossy green foliage. Flowering...

From$18.95
Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.
Orange 'Best Seedless'

The ‘Best Seedless’ Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$34.95
Plum 'Greengage' fruit.
Plum 'Greengage'

The ‘Greengage’ plum tree is a heritage variety prized for its lovely, green-skinned fruit with golden flesh. Renowned for its rich, honeyed flavour...

From$340.69
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$270.40
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.
Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$22.01
Black Doris' plums.
Plum Black Doris

The 'Black Doris' Plum is a popular variety that produces large and firm, purple-black fruit. The flesh is dark red, sweet, and juicy. White blossoms...

From$340.69
phlebodium-blue-star-
Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

The Blue Star Fern features wavy leaves that are a blue-green colour. This popular indoor plant grows as a clump to about 30 cm tall and the same...

From$38.57
rhipsalis-baccifera-1
Rhipsalis baccifera (Mistletoe Cactus)

Commonly known as the Mistletoe Cactus, this is a succulent grown for its slender and trailing stems. Masses of the dark green stems hang from the...

From$30.29
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$22.01
Buxus harlandii shrub with dense, green foliage.
Buxus harlandii

Buxus harlandii grows to about 1 m tall and the same wide with charming, bright green leaves. Best results with this evergreen shrub are achieved...

From$16.95
rhipsalis-paradoxa-5
Rhipsalis paradoxa (Mistletoe Cactus)

Commonly known as the Mistletoe Cactus, this is a succulent grown for its slender and trailing stems. Masses of the dark green stems hang from the...

From$26.91
lawnpro-protect-
Lawn Pro Protect

This granulated product is used to control and protect against insect pests in lawn and soil. It will provide long-term control of insect grubs...

From$152.32
curio-herreanus-
Curio herreanus (String Of Watermelons)

Commonly known as String of Watermelons, this is a succulent grown for its interesting, ball-like foliage. It produces masses of dark green...

From$24.95
Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Calamagrostis, Carex, and Carpodetus, or related Categories - Growing media, Flaxes, and Grasses.

Search best nepeta

Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

If you want reliable performance paired with compact growth, consider Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint). This variety forms tidy, rounded mounds of soft grey-green foliage topped with spikes of vivid blue flowers from early summer through autumn. Its moderate size makes it ideal for edging paths and filling in gaps at the front of borders. 'Blue Wonder' also boasts excellent drought tolerance and is a favourite with bees in New Zealand gardens.

Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint)

Highly lauded worldwide and celebrated for its extended bloom time, Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint) is a classic choice if you’re looking for the best nepeta for large drifts or informal borders. Despite what its name suggests, 'Walkers Low' actually grows to a generous medium height, creating clouds of lavender-blue blooms that arch gracefully over silver foliage. Its relaxed growth habit is perfect for softening hard landscaping and blending seamlessly with other perennials.

Nepeta faassenii

Nepeta faassenii serves as the parent species for many favourite hybrids, known for its compact form and reliable flowering. Its aromatic leaves and delicate blue flower spikes make it a charming addition to mixed plantings. In addition, this nepeta variety is deer and rabbit resistant—ideal for rural and city-edge gardens in New Zealand.

Nepeta mussinii (Catmint)

For those seeking the best nepeta for rockeries or low-maintenance plantings, Nepeta mussinii (Catmint) stands out. Its soft, mounding shape and prolific display of bluish-purple flowers make it a great ground cover. It also pairs well with spring bulbs, providing foliage that emerges early in the season.

Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint)

For gardeners who love bold statements, Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint) is the definitive showpiece. With its tall upright stems and profuse spikes of lilac-blue flowers, it’s the go-to choice for the back of borders or as a feature in cottage-style gardens. Butterflies adore it, and it’s well-suited to sunny, well-drained spots.

Choosing the Best Nepeta for Your Garden

When deciding on the best nepeta, consider your garden’s conditions, available space, and the effect you’d like to achieve. Whether you prefer compact mounds, loose drifts, or dramatic height, these remarkable catmint varieties will bring colour, fragrance, and pollinators to your outdoor spaces all season long.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) and Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant), but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Feijoa 'Triumph', Camellia 'Nicky Crisp', and Prunus Mountain Haze?
–The Plant Company

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