Learn how to grow catmint (Nepeta), a hardy, deer-resistant perennial that blooms for months. Get planting and care tips, variety info, and landscape ideas. Learn all about nepeta - choose the best ones to grow, where to buy, where to plant and care advice from RHS experts.

Understanding the Context

Growing catnip (Nepeta cataria), a perennial plant, from seed is pretty straightforward, and it can be a huge benefit to your garden, even if you don’t have a green thumb. It’s perfect for any herb ... Catmint (Nepeta) plants are perennial ornamental herbs from the mint family, known for attracting pollinators and deterring insects. These plants have gray-green foliage that gives off a mild fragrance and a delicate, lacy look.

Key Insights

Nepeta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. The genus name, from Latin nepeta (“catnip”), is reportedly in reference to Nepete, an ancient Etruscan city. [2] Catmint, also known as Nepeta, is a flowering plant that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. It is commonly found in Europe, Asia, and Africa and is known for its attractive blue-purple flowers and its minty scent. Gardening expert Melissa Strauss has 27 of the prettiest varieties of catmint that will look great in your flower bed.

Final Thoughts

Catmint is a wonderful, low-maintenance herb to add to your garden. The plants range from dwarf varieties starting at six inches tall and all the way up to three feet or taller. Nepeta has about 250 species scattered throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which is a bit of a heavyweight in gardening terms as it also contains garden favourites such as salvias, lavender and phlomis.