Have you ever wondered why cats go crazy for catnip? It’s a fascinating phenomenon that has captivated cat owners for centuries. But did you know that catnip is just one species in the Nepeta genus? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Nepeta and explore some of the best-known species and their unique characteristics.
Introducing Nepeta
Nepeta is a genus of aromatic perennial herbs that belong to the mint family, Lamiaceae. With about 250 species originating from temperate areas of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Nepeta has made its way to different parts of the world, including North America, where it has become quite common.
Catnip: The Star of the Show
The most well-known species of Nepeta is catnip (Nepeta cataria). Catnip has a long history of folklore and is often associated with cats. The leaves of a newly transplanted catnip plant release nepetalactone, a component of the essential oil that mimics a cat’s sexual pheromones. This explains why cats react in such a peculiar way to catnip, often rolling, rubbing, and even aggressively playing with it.
Catnip is also widely used for its medicinal properties. It has been used as a remedy for colds, fevers, upset stomachs, and even children’s complaints like colic. It acts as a mild sedative and is commonly found in herbal sleep pillows. Additionally, catnip is used in veterinary medicine and as a lure for larger wild felines.
Other Species in the Nepeta Genus
While catnip takes the spotlight, there are other interesting species in the Nepeta genus worth exploring:
Persian Catmint (Nepeta racemosa)
Persian catmint is a small, mounding plant with gray-green scalloped leaves and blue flowers. It’s a hardy plant that blooms from mid-May through September. Some popular cultivars include Dropmore, Snowflake, Superba, and Walker’s Low.
Garden Catmint/Blue Catmint/Faassen’s Catmint (Nepeta ¥ faassenii)
Garden catmint, a hybrid between N. racemosa and N. nepetella, is highly valued for its ornamental gray-green foliage and violet-blue flowers. It has a low, mounding growth habit and reaches about 2 feet in height. It’s a great choice for planting with pink roses and peonies.
Other Notable Nepeta Species
- N. nervosa: A bushy plant with distinct green leaves and dense bottlebrush heads of pure blue flowers. It blooms from July to September but may be late to appear in the spring. Slugs and snails are attracted to it.
- N. sibirica: This species features long, open spikes with large deep violet-blue flowers. It’s a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds. Some popular cultivars include Souvenir d’André Chaudron and Blue Beauty.
- N. govaniana: This exception to the rule enjoys moist, mildly acidic soil in cool locations. It surprises with long spikes of pale, creamy yellow flowers in late summer.
- N. grandiflora: With showier deep violet flowers, this lovely species grows erect to 3 feet tall.
- N. tuberosa: This species has silver lamb’s-ear-like foliage and short spikes of velvety blue flowers. It needs free-draining soil and may require special winter care.
- N. yunnanensis: With large green leaves, it does well in moist soil in partial shade. It has dark blue flowers but is prone to slug and cucumber beetle infestations.
- N. subsessilis: This beautiful Japanese species has large green leaves and large deep blue flowers. It thrives in moist soil in partial shade but is also a target for slugs.
Cultivating Nepeta
Most Nepeta species prefer sunny, well-drained soil and are drought resistant. They tolerate lean soil and have pH requirements between 5 and 7.5. Nepeta plants can be propagated through plant division or cuttings. Some species self-sow and may produce thousands of seedlings.
Bringing Beauty to the Garden
Nepeta plants, with their aromatic gray or green leaves and beautiful clusters of blue to white flowers, add charm to any garden. They are often used in large drifts or as edgings along paths. Nepeta’s winterhardiness, resistance to pests, and long bloom make it a reliable choice for any garden.
As you explore the Nepeta genus, you’ll discover a wide variety of species and cultivars to suit your gardening needs. From the beloved catnip to the lesser-known but equally stunning species, Nepeta plants are sure to bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space.
So why not embrace the world of Nepeta and create a garden that both you and your feline friends can enjoy?