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nepeta cataria plant

The Nepeta cataria plant, commonly known as catnip, is a delightful addition to any New Zealand garden. Prized for its charming pale purple blooms and aromatic green foliage, this hardy perennial is loved by gardeners, pollinators, and, of course, cats. Whether you’re keen to create a cottage garden, attract beneficial insects, or provide a treat for your feline friends, growing the Nepeta cataria plant is both rewarding and fuss-free.

Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

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.

Buy Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

From $19.95

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

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured leaves and grows compactly to about 50 cm tall and 40 cm wide. Stromanthe Triostar makes for a wonderful office and house plant and is great for bringing colour and joy to a space.

Buy Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

From $33.05

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 50 cm

Spread: 40 cm

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical

What is the Nepeta cataria plant?

Nepeta cataria, or catnip, is a member of the mint family, celebrated for its relaxing effect on cats. Its tall, branching stems produce soft, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of tubular flowers from late spring through autumn. The foliage emits a calming, minty scent when brushed or crushed, making it an aromatic highlight in borders or herb beds.

How to Grow Nepeta cataria in New Zealand

The Nepeta cataria plant thrives in the varied conditions of New Zealand gardens. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, though it tolerates partial shade. Catnip is drought-hardy once established and generally pest-free. Plant in spring or early autumn, spacing each Nepeta cataria plant about 30–45cm apart.

Regular pruning will encourage bushier growth and repeated flowering. Catnip can become sprawling if left alone, so trim after the main flowering period to keep it compact and neat. Water deeply during dry spells, but avoid overwatering as the roots dislike soggy soil.

Garden Uses and Benefits

Beyond entertaining cats, the Nepeta cataria plant offers numerous uses:

Attracts pollinators: Bees and butterflies love catnip flowers, boosting biodiversity in your garden.
Low-maintenance edging: Use catnip at the edge of herbaceous borders or paths, where its silvery-green foliage adds soft texture.
Herbal tea: While fresh leaves delight cats, the dried foliage can be brewed as a relaxing herbal tea for gardeners.
Natural companion: Nepeta cataria helps deter some common pests, making it an excellent companion for vegetables and roses.

Companion Plants for Nepeta cataria

Pairing the Nepeta cataria plant with complementary perennials and grasses heightens its soft beauty. Try combining it with the taller, floppy spikes of Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint), the pristine blooms of Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud', or the compact, richly colored Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint) for extended display.

For classic textural contrast, the feathery plumes of Calamagrostis 'Overdam' or the silver-blue foliage of Nepeta mussinii (Catmint) pair beautifully around beds and borders.

Growing Catnip for Feline Friends

If you’re cultivating Nepeta cataria specifically for your cat, reserve a patch away from delicate young plants because playful cats may flatten them. Harvest leaves and stems as desired, and offer fresh or dried catnip toys—it’s completely safe and non-addictive for cats.