Catnip

Nepeta cataria, the true Catnip, is a perennial herb famous for its intoxicating effect on many cats, but it is also a valuable plant for the ornamental herb garden. It forms a bushy, upright clump of grey-green, heart-shaped leaves with scalloped edges and a slightly pungent, minty-musk scent. In summer, it produces spikes of small, white flowers dotted with tiny purple spots. While perhaps less showy than the popular Nepeta × faassenii cultivars, it has a wild, natural charm and is a superlative plant for attracting bees and other beneficial insects. It is fully hardy (H7) and easy to grow in the UK, tolerating a variety of soil types as long as they are reasonably well-drained. It reaches roughly 60-90cm in height. To keep the plant tidy and encourage a second flush of foliage, it can be cut back after its first flowering. Be prepared for feline visitors who may enjoy rolling in or nibbling the leaves!

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.