Nepeta Gardening Tips

Nepeta is a genus of flowering plants in family Lamiaceae, comprising about 250 species. It is commonly known as Catnip or Catmint, because of their effect on cats. Nepeta stimulates cat's pheromonic receptors, resulting temporary euphoria. As for humans, it gives sedative effect. Nepeta is native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.

Nepeta is herbaceous perennial plant, recognizable from its toothed, aromatic leaves. Ideal for planting in cottage and wildlife gardens and also for edging. The flowers are in white, blue, pink and lilac colors, borne in several clusters towards the tip of the stems.

Plant Nepeta in sun or partial shade, in well-drained, alkaline soil. Propagation is done by seed in autumn, division in spring or autumn. Look out for mildew disease.

Nepeta mussinii bluete
Author: Fabelfroh (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0)

Nepeta cataria

Author: Dlanglois (public domain)

Nepeta mussinii
Author: Fabelfroh (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0)

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