nepeta cataria

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Nepeta cataria, also known as catnip, is a beloved perennial herb popular in gardens throughout New Zealand. Renowned for its soothing aroma and irresistible attraction to cats, Nepeta cataria adds charm and functionality to your landscape. With its soft, heart-shaped, silvery leaves and delicate spikes of white or pale lavender flowers, this hardy member of the mint family is both decorative and easy to grow. If you’re searching for a plant that’s as enjoyable for your feline friends as it is beautiful in your garden, Nepeta cataria is an excellent choice.

Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

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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. The Plant Company supplies top-quality, NZ-grown Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’ for use in modern and low-maintenance garden designs.

Buy Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

From $22.88

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

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Calamagrostis, or related Categories - Grasses.

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Benefits and Uses of Nepeta cataria

Nepeta cataria is perhaps best known for its effect on cats—a result of the natural compound nepetalactone, which triggers joyful play, rolling, and purring in most felines. But this plant has much more to offer gardeners. Its nectar-rich flowers draw beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a wonderful companion plant for vegetables and fruit trees. Gardeners often use Nepeta cataria in borders, cottage gardens, and herb beds for its lush, bushy growth and aromatic foliage. You can also harvest leaves for herbal teas with calming effects or to make natural insect repellents.

How to Grow Nepeta cataria in New Zealand

Growing Nepeta cataria in New Zealand is straightforward, thanks to its tolerance of a range of conditions. Plant in full sun or part shade, in well-drained soil. Nepeta cataria is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance gardens and waterwise landscapes. Trim the plants back after flowering to encourage fresh new leaves and prolong blooming. Be mindful that catnip spreads easily and may self-seed; regular pruning helps keep it in check. For a colourful and textured garden display, consider pairing it with classic roses such as Rose 'Elina', Rose 'Elegant Lady', or Rose 'Diamond Jubilee'.

Nepeta cataria vs. Catmints

While Nepeta cataria is the true catnip adored by cats, other Nepeta varieties are also popular for their ornamental value. For example, Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint) and Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint) are prized for their abundant, long-lasting blue–mauve blooms and neat mounding habit. These catmints are just as bee-friendly and drought-tolerant, making them excellent choices for filling gaps in borders or softening garden paths.

Why Choose Nepeta cataria for Your Garden

With its resilience, multi-purpose benefits, and undeniable charm, Nepeta cataria is a valuable addition to New Zealand gardens. Whether you’re aiming to delight your cats, attract pollinators, or create a calming herbal nook, catnip is a must-have herb. Don’t forget to explore other beautiful companions like Rose 'Elina' or the ever-popular Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint) to create a dynamic and eye-catching landscape.

Explore our plant collection today and discover how Nepeta cataria can transform your garden.

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.

There’s more to explore beyond Aesculus hippocastanum and Avocado 'Hass' — like the subtle beauty of Leptospermum Wiri Linda, Camellia Kramers Beauty, and Iris Ceasers Brother (Siberian Iris).

–The Plant Company