Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Also known as
Catmint, Kattekruid (Afr.)
Catnip flowers by D. Gordon E. Robertson (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Partial Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
6a
USDA zone
-23°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 1m |
20cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Catnip
Catnip Overview
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.
Common problems with Catnip
Some butterfly larvae feast on the leaves. Too wet conditions can lead to powdery mildew or rotting.
Catnip Companion Plants
Tomatoes, brassicas, cereals
How to harvest Catnip
Harvest leaves to make an insect repelling spray or use freshly cut leaves as a mulch between rows of vegetables.
How to propagate Catnip
Cuttings
Take 10-15cm long cuttings and remove the leaves from the bottom half . Root in water or directly in soil.
Division
You can propagate by division in spring.
Seed
Special features of Catnip
Attracts useful insects
Including butterflies.
Repels harmful insects
It repels mosquitoes and flies.
Drought resistant
Attractive flowers
White with purple, pink or mauve spots.
Other uses of Catnip
Insect repellant
Medicinal
Herbal teas or herbal sigaretts.
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