Nepeta

Nepeta - Catmint

Nepeta is a genus of herb-like plants, often with grey/green foliage and blue or white flowers. Most species of Nepeta like sunshine and a well-draining, dry to normal soil. Too fertile soil will give weak, hanging plants. Nepeta 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 Ruta, Geranium macrorrhizum and Tanacetum vulgare. Cut Nepeta back to half its height after its first flowering to prevent self-seeding and to stimulate a second flowering. Nepeta can be used in many places in the garden, as an edging to paths, in borders and in a natural planting. Nepeta's are calm to the eye and will combine with many other plants. Nice is combined with soft yellow Anthemis and Stipa.