Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Catmint, Kattekruid (Afr.)
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Nepeta cataria is also known as catnip or catmint, it is a bushy spreading perennial with grey-green foliage and white flowers with purple, mauve or pink spots. Cats find the plant irresistible, as the name suggests, cats are attracted to the plant and will often eat the leaves or roll in the plants. Most of the plant is edible and can be used in soups or sauces or brewed into a tea.
Related Plants
Planning
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering time
Summer, Spring
Fruiting time
Summer, Autumn
Harvesting
Harvest leaves to make an insect repelling spray or use freshly cut leaves as a mulch between rows of vegetables.
Propagation
Cuttings
Take 10-15cm long cuttings and remove the leaves from the bottom half . Root in water or directly in soil.
Special features
Attracts useful insects
Including butterflies.
Repels harmful insects
It repels mosquitoes and flies.
Drought resistant
Attractive flowers
White with purple, pink or mauve spots.
Special features
Origin
Europe, Middle East and China.
Natural climate
Temperate
Environment
Light
Partial Shade, Partial Sun
Soil moisture
Moist
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil PH preference
Acid
Frost hardiness
Hardy
Uses
Medicinal
Herbal teas or herbal sigaretts.
Notes
Insect repellant
Personality
Family
Lamiaceae
Flower colour
Purple, White
Scent
Mild
Problems
Some butterfly larvae feast on the leaves. Too wet conditions can lead to powdery mildew or rotting.
Related Problems
Companion plants
Tomatoes, brassicas, cereals