Nepeta mussinii

Characteristics: Nepeta is a member of the mint family. It is an extremely easy growing plant with few pests or problems. The billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the season.

Light: Catmint enjoys full sun to partial shade.

Water: Keep this perennial moist, but not wet.

Soil: Catmint is not picky, and will thrive in less-than-ideal soil.

Use: Not all cats react to Catnip. Many cats who don't care about Catnip will react and adore Catmint, both as a living plant and dried.

Catmint is often used as a substitute for lavender plants, where lavender is not particularly hardy.

Extras: Catmint blends well with many other plants because of the silver tone to the leaves and pale, unobtrusive flower colors. Try combining Nepeta with other herbs like lemon balm, thyme and marjoram. Or use catmint in a perennial border with other flowering plants like roses, foxglove, phlox and hardy geranium.