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nepeta nepetella

If you’re searching for the distinctive Nepeta nepetella, you’re in the right place. This aromatic perennial, also known as Lesser Catmint, is prized by gardeners for its delicate blue-violet blooms, silvery foliage, and capacity to thrive in New Zealand gardens. Nepeta nepetella not only adds a touch of Mediterranean charm to a border or herb garden, but its resilience and versatility make it an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned plant lovers.

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'

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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.

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
Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint)

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

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What is Nepeta nepetella?

Nepeta nepetella is an herbaceous perennial native to southern Europe. It belongs to the mint family and is renowned for its fragrant leaves and attractive flower spikes, which bloom from late spring through summer. Unlike other Nepeta species, Nepeta nepetella tends to have finer foliage and a more upright habit, making it ideal for edging borders or pairing with roses and ornamental grasses in mixed planting schemes.

Growing Conditions for Nepeta nepetella

Nepeta nepetella thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny position. It tolerates drought once established, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners keen on sustainable planting. Regular deadheading encourages prolonged flowering, while a light trim after the blooms fade keeps the plants looking fresh. This catmint attracts pollinators, so it’s a fantastic addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Uses of Nepeta nepetella in New Zealand Gardens

Nepeta nepetella is versatile, making it perfect for cottage gardens, herb beds, and along sunny borders. Its fragrant foliage can also be used fresh or dried for culinary purposes, lending minty, earthy notes to traditional Mediterranean dishes. Pairing Nepeta nepetella with robust perennials and complementary blooms creates layered interest. For example, plant it alongside Rose 'Elina', Rose 'Elegant Lady', or Rose 'Diamond Jubilee' for a striking combination.

Companion Plants for Nepeta nepetella

Because Nepeta nepetella flourishes in sun and dry soils, it works brilliantly with ornamental grasses such as Calamagrostis 'Overdam'. For a broader catmint collection, consider adding Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint), which offers similar benefits but with a slightly different growth habit and flower display. Both plants attract bees and butterflies, further enhancing your garden’s biodiversity.

Tips for Success with Nepeta nepetella

To get the best results with Nepeta nepetella, start with quality plants and ensure your soil is free-draining. Mulch with gravel or bark to suppress weeds and retain moisture, especially through dry New Zealand summers. Grouping Nepeta nepetella with roses, grasses, and fellow catmints yields rhythmic visual appeal and makes maintenance easier.

If you’re looking to enrich your garden with reliable, beautiful perennials, Nepeta nepetella brings fragrance, colour, and pollinator interest to any outdoor space. Discover how this charming catmint can elevate your planting designs and enjoy its Mediterranean allure year after year.


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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.

Everyone knows classic varieties like Heuchera Peppermint Spice (Coral Bells) and Ficus Tuffi, but you might just fall in love with Apple Golden Delicious (Golden Delicious), Pinus pinea (Pine Nut), and Hydrangea Blue Deckle.
–The Plant Company

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