Are you looking for low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly perennials with a great scent? Check out nepeta, also known as catnip or catmint. This guide will show you the best and most varied options to make your garden a lively, cat-attracting place.
Nepeta comes in sizes from under a foot tall to three feet high. It has many nepeta hybrids and nepeta species for every garden need. If you want low-maintenance perennials, drought-tolerant plants, or pest-resistant flowers, this plant is perfect. Find the top best nepeta varieties to keep your catmint plants healthy for years.
Key Takeaways
- Nepeta, or catmint, is a versatile perennial that thrives in a wide range of garden settings.
- Nepeta varieties range from dwarf plants under 12 inches to towering 3-foot giants, offering something for every garden.
- These nepeta plants are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and pest-resistant, making them excellent choices for companion planting with nepeta.
- Nepeta’s aromatic foliage and colorful blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.
- With proper growing nepeta and nepeta plant care, you can enjoy these nepeta for gardens for years to come.
Introduction to Nepeta Varieties
Nepeta, also known as catmint, is a group of aromatic herbs in the mint family, Lamiaceae. These plants are loved for their fragrant leaves and long-lasting flowers in colors like blue, purple, pink, and white3. With about 250 species found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, gardeners have many options.
What is Nepeta?
Nepeta plants vary in size, from small 15cm mounds to tall 1.5m plants, fitting into many garden styles. They are hardy perennials that can grow well in many climates, rated as RHS H7 and USDA 3a-8b.
Benefits of Growing Nepeta Varieties
Nepeta plants are easy to care for and can handle drought and pests, making them great for gardens. They attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, helping to make gardens more lively.
Some Nepeta species need to be divided every three years to stay healthy. You can also grow new plants from stem cuttings in spring or after the summer.
Popular Nepeta varieties like ‘Six Hills Giant’ and ‘Walker’s Low’ are favorites among gardeners. Nepeta nuda and its types can grow well in different soil types, making them versatile.
Nepeta varieties come in many colors, sizes, and scents, giving gardeners many choices.
Dwarf Nepeta Varieties
Dwarf nepeta varieties are perfect for small gardens that need color and texture. They are part of the mint family but are much smaller. They fit well in small spaces, containers, and along garden paths.
Nepeta faassenii ‘Kitten Around’ PP30940
The ‘Kitten Around’ PP30940 is a top pick among dwarf nepeta plants. It grows only 8 to 12 inches tall and has aromatic, silvery-green leaves. It has pretty purple calyxes with delicate blue flowers that draw in bees and butterflies. It’s great for edging paths, filling gaps between plants, or spilling from containers.
Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ PP31127 CPBRAF
Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ PP31127 CPBRAF is another lovely dwarf catmint. It has a low, spreading habit and lots of lavender-blue flowers all season. It’s perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers, creating a full look in a small area.
“Dwarf nepeta varieties offer all the charm and appeal of their larger counterparts, but in a more manageable size perfect for small spaces, containers, and edging.”
Compact Nepeta Varieties
Compact nepeta varieties bring vibrant color and a lovely fragrance to your garden. They are great for nepeta for borders or nepeta for mass planting. Nepeta faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ PP24788 is a top pick among these compact plants.
Nepeta faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ PP24788 is a mix between a full-sized and dwarf variety. It has a beautiful, rounded shape and blooms with periwinkle flowers that hide its leaves. Purrsian Blue spreads out a lot, so give it enough space. It’s perfect for adding color to your garden.
| Variety | Height | Spread | Bloom Time | Hardiness Zones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nepeta faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ PP24788 | 12-18 inches | 24-36 inches | Early to late summer | 4-8 |
Nepeta faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ is perfect for adding color and texture to your garden. It’s versatile and adaptable, making it a great choice for any landscape.
Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’
If you’re looking for an award-winning nepeta racemosa ‘walker’s low’, you’ve found it. This tall nepeta was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2007 and got the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2012. Its flowers can reach up to three feet tall, making it a standout in pollinator gardens.
This nepeta is great for containers and mixed borders. It blooms in summer and into fall, offering color for a long time. Plus, it’s easy to care for, being pest-free and liking hot, dry spots once it’s settled.
Looking to add height to your nepeta for containers or brighten up your nepeta for pollinator gardens? ‘Walker’s Low’ is a top choice. It’s a award-winning nepeta that will definitely catch the eye.
Nepeta racemosa ‘Blue Wonder’
Nepeta racemosa ‘Blue Wonder’ is a dwarf nepeta variety with stunning indigo flowers that cover its grey-green leaves. It blooms from late spring to early fall, attracting bees and butterflies.,
This catmint has an open, bowl-shaped habit, perfect for borders. It creates a stunning display of blue flowers all summer. It’s very easy to care for, growing well in many soil types, including dry ones.,
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Availability | In Stock |
| List Price | $25.00 Per Plant |
| Hardiness Zone | 3-8 |
| Mature Height | 9-18 Inches |
| Mature Spread | 12-18 Inches |
| Flower Color | Dark Blue |
| Growth Habit | Compact Growing, Dwarf/Small Growing |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Leaf Color | Gray, Green |
| Nature Assets | Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Deer Resistant |
| Preferred Soil Conditions | Adapts Well to Most Soil Types, Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained |
| Sun Exposure | Prefers Full Sun |
| Propagation Methods | Cuttings or Divisions |
If you want a low-care, pollinator-friendly plant for your garden, try nepeta racemosa ‘Blue Wonder’., It blooms from spring to fall, perfect for borders, rock gardens, and more.,
Nepeta racemosa ‘Blue Wonder’ grows well, tolerates drought, and keeps deer away., It’s great for any garden, whether you’re an expert or just starting.
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Nepeta ‘Picture Purrfect’ PP34502
Meet the Nepeta ‘Picture Purrfect’ PP34502, a catmint that’s both charming and unique. It grows wider than ‘Kitten Around’ and fits well in containers or borders.
This variety stands out with its deep blue flowers. It blooms early, about two weeks before others, and thrives in warm places. Its flowers last long, adding color to your garden.
‘Picture Purrfect’ grows 10 to 12 inches tall and spreads 22 to 24 inches wide. It’s perfect for small gardens or mixed plantings. It’s hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8, so it grows well in many places.
Looking for a plant that brightens up containers or borders? Nepeta ‘Picture Purrfect’ is a great pick. It’s easy to care for, keeps deer and rabbits away, and attracts pollinators.
If you want a catmint that blooms early and looks great, choose ‘Picture Purrfect’. Its bright blue flowers and strong growth make it a perfect garden addition.
Nepeta x faassenii ‘Balpurrink’ PP #33,184
If you’re looking for a standout nepeta for your garden, Nepeta x faassenii ‘Balpurrink’ PP #33,184 is perfect. It’s a full-sized catmint with big, soft pink flowers that bloom early in spring. These flowers add a bright splash of color to your garden.
The flowers of ‘Balpurrink’ are full of nectar and have pink tones that attract hummingbirds. This makes it a great focal point in the garden. It grows tall and has statement flowers, making it ideal for adding interest and drawing the eye to certain spots.
This nepeta grows 24-28 inches tall and does well in USDA zones 4-9. Nepeta x faassenii ‘Balpurrink’ is versatile and tough, fitting many garden conditions. Its big flowers and low maintenance make it great for gardeners wanting to highlight certain areas with beauty.
Looking to attract hummingbirds, create a beautiful scene, or add whimsy to your garden? Nepeta x faassenii ‘Balpurrink’ is a great pick. It’s captivating and dependable, sure to make an impact.
Nepeta faassenii ‘Cat’s Meow’
Looking to make your garden vibrant and fragrant? Consider Nepeta faassenii ‘Cat’s Meow’. This variety is perfect for creating a lush look with its dense and uniform growth. It’s great for filling large areas or mass plantings.
Nepeta faassenii ‘Cat’s Meow’ grows to be 17-20 inches tall. It has strong stems that stay upright, even in lush gardens. It thrives in hardiness zones 3 to 8, making it adaptable to many climates.
This plant is known for its beautiful blue flowers that bloom from early to late summer. Its growth spreads 24-36 inches, creating a full and attractive look in your garden.
Nepeta faassenii ‘Cat’s Meow’ attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s also deer and rabbit resistant, perfect for gardens with these pests.
With its uniform growth, strong stems, and lovely blooms, Nepeta faassenii ‘Cat’s Meow’ is ideal for a lush, dense, and beautiful garden.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Price | $16.14 |
| Pot Size | 5.25 Inch Square Pot |
| Hardiness Zone | 3-8 |
| Garden Height | 17-20 Inches |
| Garden Spread | 24-36 Inches |
| Bloom Color | Blue181920 |
| Growth Habit | Mounding |
| Nature Attraction | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Critter Resistance | Deer, Rabbit |
Unique Nepeta Varieties
Exploring unique Nepeta varieties can add charm and visual interest to your garden. These plants come in low-growing groundcovers and varieties with bright colors and finely-cut foliage. They offer versatility and visual appeal.
Nepeta ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’ PPAF
Nepeta ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’ PPAF is a standout with its compact size and vibrant foliage. It has chartreuse leaves and lovely purple flowers that bloom all season without needing pruning. It’s great for ground covers, cascading over walls, or adding color in containers.
Nepeta x psfike ‘Little Trudy’ PP #18,904
Nepeta x psfike ‘Little Trudy’ PP #18,904 is another unique variety with finely-cut, gray-green foliage. It forms a dense carpet, perfect for adding texture to your garden. The lavender-blue flowers of ‘Little Trudy’ make it a standout for rock gardens and groundcovers.
Whether you like the vibrant foliage of Nepeta ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’ or the texture of Nepeta ‘Little Trudy’, these varieties offer many design options. They are hardy, easy to care for, and attract pollinators, making them great additions to any garden.
Tall Nepeta Varieties
While smaller nepeta varieties are great for neat gardens, those looking for a big impact should check out the tall ones. ‘Hill Grounds’ and ‘Purple Haze’ are perfect for making a statement in cottage gardens or as border plants.
Nepeta ‘Hill Grounds’
Nepeta ‘Hill Grounds’ stands out with its large flowers, each about one centimeter long. These purple blooms attract native and honeybees, and the leaves add texture and interest. It grows up to 3 feet tall, making it great for the center of cottage or pollinator gardens, blooming from summer to fall.
Nepeta ‘Purple Haze’ PP321180
‘Purple Haze’ is another tall option, reaching up to 30 inches. Its bright purple flowers are a highlight in any garden, adding a bold look when planted alone or with others. Like other nepetas, it’s deer-resistant and draws in pollinators, perfect for cottage or pollinator gardens.
When picking tall nepeta varieties, think about what you want your garden to look like. These plants can be the main attraction or anchor the garden’s back. ‘Hill Grounds’ and ‘Purple Haze’ are great choices because they bloom for a long time and attract pollinators.
Nepeta subsessilis Varieties
The Nepeta subsessilis species is known for its unique beauty. These plants have some of the deepest indigo blooms. They make a big impact in gardens.
Nepeta subsessilis ‘Panther Dark Blue’
The ‘Panther Dark Blue’ variety is a standout, with its compact size and stunning indigo flowers. It grows from one to two feet tall, perfect for borders and pollinator gardens. Its blooms have rich, velvety colors with rosy undertones, adding drama to the garden.
Nepeta grandiflora ‘Summer Magic’ PP27090
The ‘Summer Magic’ variety is another gem in the Nepeta subsessilis family. Its flowers can be up to 3 cm big23. This tall plant, reaching up to 1.2 meters, attracts pollinators, making it great for gardens that support beneficial insects. It blooms from June to August, offering a long display of vibrant blue flowers.
Looking to create a striking border or a pollinator garden? The Nepeta subsessilis varieties have many options for you. They are hardy, adaptable to different soils, and can grow in sun or partial shade. They are perfect for gardeners in USDA zones 5 and beyond.
Nepeta Varieties with Special Flower Colors
Classic blue nepeta varieties are popular, but some nepeta cultivars bring a new twist. They have white or pink flowers, adding whimsy to your garden24. These special nepeta varieties can make your landscape more interesting.
Nepeta x faassenii ‘Snowflake’
‘Snowflake’ is a unique nepeta with delicate white flowers. Its white blooms and grey-green leaves look great together. The flowers have a light scent, perfect for rock gardens or mixed borders.
This nepeta grows well and blooms a lot, filling your garden with white flowers for months.
Nepeta subsessilis ‘Pink Panther’
‘Pink Panther’ nepeta adds a burst of color with its bright pink flowers. These flowers last a long time and attract bees and butterflies. It’s great for rock gardens, mixed beds, or containers.
‘Snowflake’ and ‘Pink Panther’ nepeta varieties are different from the usual blue and violet. They let gardeners try new colors. These nepeta types can make your garden more elegant or vibrant.
Other Notable Nepeta Varieties
There are many Nepeta varieties that can make your garden stand out. Nepeta nervosa ‘Blue Moon’ is one, with its delicate flower spikes. These small light blue blooms form a fluffy pouf on top, making your garden look amazing. It’s great for borders and spreading out in your garden.
Nepeta kubanica ‘Bokratune’ is another great choice, with a compact size. It grows about 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. This variety blooms from late spring to fall with lovely lavender-blue flowers. It’s perfect for borders, edging, and groundcover.
Looking for a low-growing Nepeta for borders or a compact one for edging? These varieties are great for any garden. Nepeta is tough, doesn’t need much water, and fights off pests and diseases.
For more hardy flowering plants, compare Nepeta with our lupine guide and perennial cutting flowers. For broader flower discovery, browse the flower types and names guide.
Conclusion
Nepeta, or catmint, is a great choice for gardens. It’s a low-maintenance perennial that brings beauty and attracts pollinators. With many nepeta varieties, you can find the perfect one for your garden. These hardyplants are easy to care for, making them great for all gardeners.
They’re perfect for adding color, creating groundcovers, or drawing in hummingbirds and butterflies. The Nepeta genus has over 250 species, mostly from Russia, Asia, and northern Africa. These catmint cultivars and nepeta hybrids have aromatic leaves and come in various colors.
Some nepeta species are used in traditional medicine for their healing properties. Whether you want cat-attracting herbs, drought-tolerant plants, or pest-resistant flowers, there’s a nepeta variety for you. These ornamental nepetas are easy to care for and can grow in different soils and climates.
Source: For evidence-based guidance, see NC State Extension’s Nepeta guide.
FAQ
What is Nepeta?
Nepeta, also known as catmint, is a type of aromatic herb in the mint family. These plants are famous for their fragrant leaves and beautiful flowers. They come in colors like blue, purple, pink, and white.
What are the benefits of growing Nepeta varieties?
Nepeta plants are easy to care for and can handle drought. They also keep deer and rabbits away. Plus, they attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
They love full sun and well-drained soil. This makes them perfect for borders, mass plantings, and containers.
What are some dwarf Nepeta varieties?
Nepeta faassenii ‘Kitten Around’ PP30940 is great for small spaces and pots. Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ PP31127 CPBRAF is another compact choice with a neat, spreading habit.
What are some compact Nepeta varieties?
Nepeta faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ PP24788 is a mix of full-sized and dwarf varieties. It has a round shape and lots of periwinkle flowers.
What is Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’?
Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ is a big, award-winning plant. It was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2007 and got the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2012. It has short leaves and tall flower spikes.
What is Nepeta racemosa ‘Blue Wonder’?
Nepeta racemosa ‘Blue Wonder’ is a dwarf variety with bright indigo flowers. It hides its grey-green leaves. It blooms from late spring to early fall, feeding pollinators.
What is Nepeta ‘Picture Purrfect’ PP34502?
Nepeta ‘Picture Purrfect’ PP34502 looks like ‘Kitten Around’ but spreads wider. It blooms a couple of weeks before others and even earlier in warm places. It’s perfect for containers or borders.
What is Nepeta x faassenii ‘Balpurrink’ PP #33,184?
Nepeta x faassenii ‘Balpurrink’ PP #33,184 adds soft pink flowers to your garden. This catmint is full-sized with a strong growth and big flowers that start in mid-spring.
What is Nepeta faassenii ‘Cat’s Meow’?
Nepeta faassenii ‘Cat’s Meow’ is a beautiful, uniform variety. It gets dense and full over time. It’s tall, with strong stems that don’t fall over.
What are some unique Nepeta varieties?
Nepeta ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’ PPAF is a short variety that blooms all season without needing pruning. Nepeta ‘Little Trudy’ PP #18,904 has fine foliage and grows in a mound.
What are some tall Nepeta varieties?
Nepeta ‘Hill Grounds’ has the biggest flowers, about one centimeter long. Nepeta ‘Purple Haze’ PP321180 is tall and makes a statement.
What are some Nepeta subsessilis varieties?
Nepeta subsessilis ‘Panther Dark Blue’ is compact with deep, large indigo blooms. Nepeta grandiflora ‘Summer Magic’ PP27090 is tall with big flowers.
What are some Nepeta varieties with special flower colors?
Nepeta x faassenii ‘Snowflake’ has tiny, white flowers. Nepeta subsessilis ‘Pink Panther’ has pretty pink blooms.
What are some other notable Nepeta varieties?
Nepeta nervosa ‘Blue Moon’ has delicate flower spikes. Nepeta kubanica ‘Bokratune’ PP #29,556 is compact with a spreading habit.