Nepeta

Nepeta - New Zealand’s Best Catmint Plants

Growing colourful shrubs in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Catnip plants and the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Nepeta, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Nepeta

1. Is Nepeta the same as catnip?

Yes, catnip is the common name for Nepeta cataria, a plant in the mint family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and it has been introduced to many other parts of the world.

Catnip is known for its effect on cats, which contain a compound called nepetalactone that is irresistible to about 60% of cats. When cats smell or taste catnip, they experience a euphoric reaction that lasts for a few minutes. Cats will often rub against catnip plants, lick them, roll around in them, and even play with them.

2. Which Nepeta is best?

The best Nepeta for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, some of the most popular and highly-rated Nepeta varieties include:

• Nepeta x faassenii 'Walkers Low': This compact variety is perfect for borders or edging. It has blue flowers that bloom from summer to autumn.
• Nepeta x faassenii 'Six Hills Giant': This tall variety grows to one metre tall and has large, showy blue flowers.
• Nepeta mussinii: This variety has fragrant leaves and pink flowers that bloom in spring and autumn.
• Nepeta grandiflora: This variety has large, fragrant leaves and purple flowers that bloom in summer.
• Nepeta subsessilis 'Pink Dreams': This variety has pink flowers that bloom in summer.

If you are looking for a Nepeta variety that is attractive to cats, Nepeta cataria is the best choice. However, if you are looking for a Nepeta variety that is beautiful and easy to care for, any of the other varieties listed above would be a good choice.

3. Where is the best place to plant Nepeta?

The best place to plant Nepeta depends on the variety you choose and your individual growing conditions. However, in general, Nepeta prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is also important to choose a planting location with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

4. Garden uses for Nepeta

Some specific options for using Nepeta in a garden:

• Nepeta x faassenii 'Walkers Low': This variety is perfect for planting in borders, edging, or rock gardens. It can also be grown in containers.
• Nepeta x faassenii 'Six Hills Giant': This variety should be planted in a location where it has plenty of room to grow. It is a good choice for planting in the back of a border or as a specimen plant.
• Nepeta mussinii: This variety can be planted in borders, edging, or containers. It is also a good choice for planting in rock gardens.
• Nepeta grandiflora: This variety should be planted in a location where it has plenty of room to grow. It is a good choice for planting in the back of a border or as a specimen plant.
• Nepeta subsessilis 'Pink Dreams': This variety can be planted in borders, edging, or containers. It is also a good choice for planting in rock gardens.

Once you have chosen a planting location, be sure to prepare the soil by digging it over and adding compost or other organic matter. This will help to improve drainage and provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Here are some additional tips for caring for Nepeta:

• Water: Nepeta needs to be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizer: Nepeta does not need to be fertilized heavily. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is usually sufficient.
• Pruning: Nepeta should be pruned back in the fall to remove any dead or diseased leaves. You can also prune it in the spring to promote new growth.
• Pests and diseases: Nepeta is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases if it is grown in poorly drained soil.
• Winter protection: Nepeta is hardy to moderate frost. However, in colder climates, it is a good idea to protect it from the winter cold.

With proper care, Nepeta will provide you with years of enjoyment.

5. Does Nepeta come back every year?

Yes, Nepeta is a perennial plant, which means it will come back every year. It will die back to the ground in the winter, but it will generally sprout again in spring.

6. Is Nepeta poisonous to dogs?

No, Nepeta is not poisonous to dogs. In fact, some dogs enjoy nibbling on the leaves of Nepeta plants. However, if a dog eats a large amount of Nepeta, it may experience some mild stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhoea.