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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 'Blue Wonder' plant with blue flowers.

Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' is a compact catmint with aromatic silvery green foliage and rich blue flower spikes through the warmer months. The rounded mound adds soft colour to sunny borders without the large spread of taller catmints. It is a compact flowering perennial suited to sunny border fronts, cottage gardens, pollinator planting, and pots.

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Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Perennials

Height: 25 cm

Spread: 25 cm

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

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

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

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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.