Catnip

Catnip, also known as catmint, is a hardy aromatic perennial with fragrant foliage and pale flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

Format

Hardiness Zone 3

Difficulty level Easy

Family Lamiaceae

Catnip is an aromatic perennial plant highly prized for its grayish-green, slightly downy foliage and its distinctive scent, which is particularly attractive to cats. It forms a soft, natural clump with light, often white to pale lavender flowers, ideal for herb gardens, perennial borders, sunny edges, and naturalized landscaping. Its soft, rustic appearance pairs easily with salvias, lavenders, yarrows, grasses, and other sun-loving plants.

Easy to cultivate, catnip prefers a sunny to lightly partially shaded location, in well-drained, light, and moderately fertile soil. Once established, it tolerates drought quite well and requires little maintenance, making it an excellent perennial for easy-care gardens. It can be grown in the ground or in pots, especially if you want to better control its location or protect it from overly curious cats. Pruning after flowering helps keep the plant more compact and encourages fresh new growth.

Traditionally recognized as an aromatic and medicinal plant, catnip is also very useful for attracting pollinators to the garden. Its melliferous flowers add life to plantings, while its fragrant foliage brings an original touch to collections of herbs and useful plants. Robust, decorative, and easy to maintain, catnip is an excellent choice for creating a vibrant, natural, and fragrant garden, for both humans and cats.