What is Nepeta (Catmint)?
Nepeta, commonly known as catmint, is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Renowned for their aromatic foliage and attractive, often long-lasting, spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers, Nepeta plants are a favourite among gardeners, especially in the UK. They are hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and widely appreciated for their ability to attract bees, butterflies, and, of course, cats.
- Nepeta varieties offer attractive, aromatic foliage and colourful, persistent flowers.
- They are hardy and generally low-maintenance, thriving in sunny conditions.
- Catmint plants are excellent for attracting pollinators to the garden.
- Their fragrant leaves make them a popular choice for borders and informal planting schemes.
The appeal of catmint lies in its versatility and ease of cultivation. Whether you are looking for a plant to fill a sunny border, edge a pathway, or provide ground cover, there is likely a Nepeta variety to suit your needs. Their naturalising habit means they can create beautiful drifts of colour, often blooming from late spring right through to autumn if deadheaded. Beyond their ornamental value, the crushed leaves release a strong, pleasant scent, reminiscent of peppermint, which is particularly alluring to felines. This makes them a fun and engaging plant for gardens frequented by cats.
Key Characteristics of Catmint Plants
Most Nepeta species and cultivars share several desirable traits. They typically grow to a manageable size, ranging from low-spreading groundcovers to more upright, bushy plants, generally between 20cm and 100cm in height. The leaves are usually soft, grey-green, and deeply veined, contributing to their visual appeal even when not in flower. The flowers are typically borne in whorls along the stems, forming spires that can be quite substantial. While blue and purple are the most common flower colours, some varieties offer pink or white blooms. Their ability to withstand dry conditions makes them ideal for challenging spots or for gardeners seeking water-wise solutions.
Growing Nepeta in the UK
Cultivating Nepeta plants in the United Kingdom is generally straightforward. They prefer a sunny position, though some will tolerate partial shade, and they thrive in well-drained soil. Heavy, waterlogged soil can be detrimental, particularly over winter, so amending clay soils with grit or compost is advisable. Planting is best done in spring or autumn. Proper spacing is important, as Nepeta plants can spread. Aim for 30-60cm apart, depending on the mature size of the specific cultivar you choose. Regular watering is needed until plants are established, after which they are quite drought-tolerant. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second flush of blooms and prevent self-seeding if that is undesirable.
Popular Nepeta Varieties and Their Alternatives
When considering Nepeta plants for your garden, you'll find a diverse range of cultivars, each offering subtle differences in size, habit, and flower colour. Understanding these variations helps in selecting the most appropriate variety for your specific garden design and needs.
The Enduring Appeal of Nepeta 'Walker's Low'
Perhaps the most recognised Nepeta variety, 'Walker's Low', is a staple in herbaceous borders across the UK. It forms a bushy, spreading mound of aromatic foliage, reaching about 60-90cm in height and spreading wider. From early summer through to autumn, it produces a profusion of lavender-blue flower spikes, creating a haze of colour that is highly attractive to pollinators. Its robust nature and long flowering period make it an excellent choice for informal gardens, cottage gardens, and prairie-style planting. It pairs wonderfully with plants like ornamental grasses, echinaceas, and salvias.
Exploring Other Notable Catmint Cultivars
Beyond 'Walker's Low', several other Nepeta varieties deserve attention:
- Nepeta racemosa 'Little Titch': A more compact cultivar, 'Little Titch' typically grows to only 20-30cm tall, making it ideal for edging paths or front-of-border planting. It offers the same aromatic foliage and lovely blue flowers but on a daintier scale.
- Nepeta x faassenii 'Six Hills Giant': As the name suggests, this is a larger, more vigorous variety, reaching up to 90cm in height and spreading significantly. It produces masses of deep violet-blue flowers and is a strong performer in large borders or as a substantial groundcover.
- Nepeta nervosa 'Blue Moon': This variety is known for its upright, bushy habit and abundant, rich blue flowers. It tends to be slightly more refined in appearance than some of the larger, sprawling types, making it suitable for more formal designs.
Alternatives to Consider
While Nepeta is wonderfully reliable, gardeners might seek alternatives for various reasons, perhaps for a different colour palette, bloom shape, or specific growing conditions. If you're looking for similar blue or purple flower spikes and pollinator attraction but want to explore other genera, consider plants such as:
- Salvia: Many Salvia varieties, like Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' or 'Mainacht', offer striking upright spikes of deep purple-blue flowers that are very similar in form and function to Nepeta, often with excellent drought tolerance and long flowering periods.
- Veronica (Speedwell): Certain Veronica cultivars, such as Veronica spicata, produce spires of blue or purple flowers and are well-suited to sunny, well-drained sites.
- Agastache (Hyssop): Also from the mint family, Agastache offers aromatic foliage and often tall, colourful flower spikes in shades of purple, pink, and orange, attracting a multitude of beneficial insects.
These alternatives provide similar aesthetic and ecological benefits, allowing for creative planting schemes that might incorporate Nepeta alongside or instead of other complementary species.
Maximising Your Catmint's Potential
To ensure your Nepeta plants perform at their best throughout the growing season, a few simple practices can make a significant difference. Understanding their needs in terms of pruning, soil, and companion planting will help you achieve lush growth and abundant blooms.
Pruning and Maintenance for Continuous Bloom
One of the most effective ways to keep Nepeta blooming profusely is through strategic pruning. After the first main flush of flowers has faded, typically in midsummer, a hard cut-back of about half the plant's height can encourage new growth and a subsequent wave of flowers. This deadheading process also prevents the plant from looking straggly. For varieties that tend to be very vigorous, such as 'Six Hills Giant', this cut-back is particularly beneficial. Removing the spent flower stems stops energy being diverted to seed production, instead promoting more floral display. For varieties that spread readily, you might also need to manage their spread by trimming back any stems that are encroaching on neighbouring plants.
Prune Nepeta hard after its first major bloom. This encourages a second flowering and maintains a tidy appearance throughout the summer and autumn months.
Soil and Sunlight Requirements
Nepeta thrives in conditions that mimic its native Mediterranean habitat. This means plenty of sunshine – ideally six hours or more per day – and excellent drainage. While they are tolerant of poor soils, they will perform best in a reasonably fertile, well-drained loam. In heavier clay soils, incorporating grit or compost will improve drainage and prevent root rot, which is a common issue in wet winters. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to weak, floppy growth that requires more staking and is more susceptible to disease. A light mulch of compost in spring is usually sufficient to provide nutrients and help retain moisture without waterlogging the roots.
Companion Planting with Nepeta
Nepeta plants are superb companions for a wide range of garden flora. Their airy, mounding habit and soft colours blend seamlessly with many other species. They look particularly effective planted amongst plants with bolder foliage or flower shapes, such as dahlias, peonies, or hostas, providing a softening effect. Their aromatic foliage is also thought to deter some pests, making them a beneficial addition next to more susceptible plants. Consider pairing Nepeta with other drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly plants like sedum, echinacea, or lavender for a vibrant, low-maintenance summer display. In a cottage garden setting, they complement plants like foxglove, delphinium, and hellebores, bridging the gap between taller specimens and lower bedding plants.
The key to a thriving Nepeta is good drainage and ample sunlight.Frequently Asked Questions About Catmint
For those new to Nepeta or looking to refine their gardening techniques, some common questions arise regarding its care and characteristics. Addressing these points can help ensure a successful and rewarding growing experience.
Are Nepeta plants perennial?
Yes, the vast majority of Nepeta varieties are hardy perennials. This means they will reliably return year after year, growing back from their root systems each spring. Their perennial nature makes them a cost-effective and sustainable choice for long-term garden design, providing structure and colour season after season with minimal fuss.
Why do cats love Nepeta?
Cats are attracted to Nepeta because of the presence of nepetalactone, a chemical compound found in its leaves. This substance acts as a stimulant, triggering a euphoric or playful response in many cats, similar to catnip (which is also a type of Nepeta, often *Nepeta cataria*). The intensity of the reaction can vary between individual cats and different Nepeta cultivars.
Can Nepeta be grown in pots?
Absolutely. Nepeta plants can be grown successfully in containers, provided the pot offers adequate drainage and the soil is well-aerated. Smaller varieties like 'Little Titch' are particularly well-suited for pot cultivation. Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the plant's mature size and water regularly, especially during dry spells, as container plants can dry out more quickly than those in the ground.