Nepeta

Catmints are ideal companions for roses, suitable for natural-style gardens, and lower species also for window boxes and pots. Some of them are an irresistible attraction for cats, caused by the hallucinogen nepetalactone. This should be contained in the highest amount in the species Nepeta cataria. Conversely, lemon-scented catmints reportedly do not attract cats. The botanical name Nepeta probably comes from the name of the ancient Etruscan city Nepet - Nepi in the territory of today's Italian province of Viterbo, where the plant was once cultivated. Nepeta racemosa grows naturally on dry meadows and rocky, stony slopes from the Caucasus to Central Asia. It has aromatic gray-green leaves and forms a tufted semi-circular bush. Superba is a great variety, valued for its energetic cushion-like growth and almost continuous flowering.

This catmint grows upright and in clumps. Its leaves and blue-violet flowers are larger than those of most better-known catmints. It fits well into mixed perennial beds. It handles drought well, but full scorching sun is not suitable for it.