Catmint

Catmint  (Nepeta)

Catmint (Nepeta) is a genus of herb-like plants, often with grey/green foliage and blue or white flowers. Most species of Catmint like sunshine and a well-draining, dry to normal soil. Too fertile soil will give weak, hanging plants. Catmint flowers for a long time and most species are good nectar suppliers to bees. Some species are also attracted to cats, mainly from the 'faassenii' group. You could always plant them next to some plants that cats dislike, such as Rue (Ruta), Rock Cranesbill (Geranium macrorrhizum) and Golden Buttons (Tanacetum vulgare). Cut Catmint back to half its height after its first flowering to prevent self-seeding and to stimulate a second flowering. Catmint can be used in many places in the garden, as an edging to paths, in borders and in a natural planting. Catmints are calm to the eye and will combine with many other plants. Nice is combined with soft yellow Chamomile (Anthemis) and Feather Grass (Stipa).