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nepeta species

Nepeta species, commonly known as catmint, are beloved perennials that offer a winning combination of beauty, resilience, and versatility for New Zealand gardens. With their gently aromatic foliage and masses of violet-blue to lavender blooms, nepeta species attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies while being largely pest-free. Whether you’re seeking a low-maintenance edging, a soft filler for mixed borders, or a pollinator-friendly addition to your garden, nepeta species are a top choice. Their easy-going nature makes them ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike. From compact forms perfect for small spaces to vigorous upright growers for dramatic impact, exploring the range of nepeta species provides plenty of possibilities for garden design.

A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.

Metrosideros robusta

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Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large, spreading canopy. Typically found in coastal and lowland forests, it can grow up to 25 metres tall with a broad, rounded form.

From $323.65

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Screening
Garden styles: Coastal, Native
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' plant with blue flowers.

Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is an award winning Catmint admired for its long flowering season and aromatic grey green foliage. From late spring through autumn, it produces masses of lavender blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies to NZ gardens.

From $17.87

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
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen' double red flowers.
Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen'

Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its profusion of double burgundy red flowers that appear from spring through...

From$27.53
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.63
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$270.40
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, dense canopy, and strong natural...

From$270.40
Leptospermum 'Martini' pink flower with green foliage.
Leptospermum 'Martini'

Leptospermum 'Martini' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its profusion of pink flowers with red centres that bloom from spring through...

From$27.53
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) plants in a landscaped garden.
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush)

Juncus pallidus, commonly known as the Giant Rush, features erect, dark green leaves and grows as a tidy clump, reaching approximately 75 cm in...

From$16.49
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green...

From$22.01
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' pink flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha'

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' is a popular evergreen groundcover shrub admired for its dense, spreading habit and masses of pink and cream...

From$24.95
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' plant with red flowers and olive-green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse'

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' is a compact and hardy NZ native shrub renowned for its vibrant red flowers that burst into colour during summer. Its...

From$515.35
Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.
Hoheria angustifolia

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form...

From$64.79
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush) plants growing in sand and displaying lush, green foliage.
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush)

Ficinia nodosa, commonly known as Knobby Club Rush, is a NZ native grass that features stout, mid-green foliage. In cold or exposed climates, the...

From$14.84
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.
Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$16.50
fraxinus-ornus-2
Fraxinus ornus

Fraxinus ornus (Flowering Ash) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its fragrant creamy white flower clusters that appear in late spring and...

From$387.55
Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.
Sophora fulvida

Sophora fulvida (Southern Kōwhai) is a beautiful New Zealand native tree admired for its golden yellow flowers and fine green foliage. Flowering in...

From$169.24
Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.
Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

From$24.15
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$323.65
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides

Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, natural form, and strong...

From$270.40
Ribes 'Black Magnus' black currant shrub with lustrous black berries.
Ribes 'Black Magnus'

Ribes 'Black Magnus' is a vigorous and productive black currant variety prized in NZ gardens for its rich flavoured berries and strong cropping...

From$30.29
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe) plants in a garden with cascading green foliage and white flower plumes.
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe)

Austroderia fulvida, commonly known as Toetoe or Toi Toi, is a large and vigorous NZ native grass. It bears long, narrow, mid-green leaves that are...

From$13.73
Laurelia novae-zelandiae (Pukatea) trees for sale at The Plant Company.
Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$589.90
pimelea-mimosa--1
Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine textured foliage, compact growth habit, and clusters of delicate flowers. This...

From$15.95
Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.
Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like...

From$16.49
An immaculate Fine Fescue lawn in a modern and formal garden.
Fine Fescue Lawn Seed

Fine Fescue lawn seed is ideal for homeowners seeking a lush, fine-textured lawn that thrives in shaded areas and requires minimal maintenance. This...

From$28.95
Pittosporum 'Limelight' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum 'Limelight' is a NZ native shrub that features dark green leaves with a lime green centre, held densely on upright stems. This evergreen...

From$22.01
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$12.95
Griselinia lucida hedge with lush and large, green foliage.
Griselinia lucida

Griselinia lucida, commonly known as Akapuka, is a striking New Zealand native shrub or small tree characterized by its large, leathery, and glossy...

From$24.95
Metrosideros robusta

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aristotelia, Beilschmiedia, and Fuscospora, or related Categories - Grasses, Groundcover Plants, and Perennials.

Search nepeta species

Characteristics of Nepeta Species

Nepeta species are widely admired for their attractive, silvery-green foliage and profuse flowering. Most māori gardens value their drought tolerance and capacity to thrive in poor soils, making them a standout option in New Zealand’s varied conditions. The aromatic leaves of nepeta species not only provide a sensory treat but are also resistant to browsing deer and rabbits. Flowering from late spring through autumn, these perennials deliver a long-lasting show of colour that pairs beautifully with roses, grasses, and other cottage garden favourites.

Popular Nepeta Varieties

Several standout selections demonstrate the diversity within nepeta species. One of the best-loved is Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint), prized for its soft mounds of violet-blue flowers and extended blooming period. Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint) offers a compact habit ideal for containers or edging paths. If you’re looking for a larger, more dramatic catmint, Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint) stands tall and holds its blooms above robust foliage. For those interested in classic hybrids, Nepeta faassenii is widely planted for its exceptional performance and reliable colour. Nepeta mussinii (Catmint) is another favourite, valued for its soft blue blooms and neat growth habit.

Uses and Benefits in the Garden

Nepeta species easily enhance a garden’s beauty and biodiversity. Their nectar-rich flowers make them superb for attracting pollinators, and their non-invasive growth complements a wide array of companion plants. Given their tolerance to dry conditions, nepeta species are perfect for water-wise landscapes and gravel gardens. The aromatic foliage adds another sensory layer, whether planted en masse or as individual accents. Best of all, their resilience means fewer worries about diseases or pests—an effortless solution for lasting garden colour.

Growing Tips for Nepeta Species

Nepeta species thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soils. Minimal maintenance is required; simply shear spent blooms in summer to encourage further flowering. These perennials seldom require staking and adapt well to both borders and containers. Planting nepeta species is straightforward, and their capacity for self-sowing means you might enjoy volunteer seedlings in future seasons.

Explore Our Range of Nepeta Species

Browse our collection of nepeta species, including popular cultivars like Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint), Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint), Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint), Nepeta faassenii, and Nepeta mussinii (Catmint). Let these easy-care perennials transform your outdoor space with clouds of calming colour and reliable performance.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' and Corokia 'Bronze King' may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Prunus 'Kiku Shidare Zakura', Sophora chathamica, and Grevillea Aussie Crawl deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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