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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.

Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' green foliage and blue flowers.

Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' is a vigorous perennial prized for its aromatic foliage and abundant lavender blue flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. Taller than most Catmints, this variety creates a soft, flowing effect in NZ gardens, attracting bees and butterflies in abundance. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it ideal for both cottage and modern landscapes. 'Six Hills Giant' delivers colour, fragrance, and resilience with ease.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 75 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern
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. The Plant Company supplies top-quality, NZ-grown Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’ for use in modern and low-maintenance garden designs.

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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Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint)

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Search nepeta cataria plant

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:

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.

Nepeta cataria plant: A Rewarding Garden Choice

Whether for its ornamental value, wildlife attraction, or as a treat for your pets, the Nepeta cataria plant brings a touch of charm and utility to New Zealand gardens. Explore our range to discover other captivating catmints and perennial companions, and enjoy the simple pleasure of catnip in your landscape.


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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 know Ficus Tuffi and Photinia 'Red Robin', but have you met Pelargonium graveolens, Punica granatum Wonderful, and Tradescantia blossfeldiana? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

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