Nepeta mussini - Catnip

Nepeta racemosa (synonym mussini) also known as catnip or Catmint, forms a bushy, low and branched plant, with small, silver-green, ovate, aromatic leaves, which transforms throughout the summer into a bunch of blue-violet melliferous flowers. It is a deciduous to semi-evergreen creeping perennial, well adapted to drought. Its use is comparable to lavender, but easier. It is an ideal companion for roses, old or modern, and a boon for sunny rockeries and borders.

Nepeta racemosa belongs to the Lamiaceae family, just like sage, mint and thyme among other aromatic plants. It is native to the Caucasus and northern Iran, specifically regions that experience dry and hot summers and cold and humid winters. From spring onwards, it forms a dense and bushy, creeping clump, 30cm (12in) high with a spread of at least 50cm (20in). It quickly reaches its adult size. Flowering occurs from June to September-October, with a pause in July-August in dry and hot climates. The flowers, grouped in whorls on the spikes, are a bright blue-violet and measure 3cm (1in) in length. Highly nectar-rich and melliferous, they attract a large number of bees and butterflies. The silver-green foliage is velvety, and the leaves are highly aromatic when crushed. They are ovate, crenate, slightly pubescent, and measure 2 to 3cm (1in) in length. This is one of the most adaptable Nepeta species, tolerating drought well and a wide range of well-drained soils. Its leaves are also attractive to cats.

Nepeta racemosa is a remarkable garden plant that is easy to grow. It will find its place in borders, especially at the base of roses. It will be a perfect companion to yellow roses like 'Buff Beauty' or rose-orange roses like 'Westerland', hiding their bare bases while flattering their colours. In flower beds, it pairs well in the front row with stachys, valerians, Knautia macedonica, carnations (Dianthus gratianopolitanus), or perennial geraniums (Geranium cinereum, G. sanguineum), relying on a line of perennials that flower together: Canon Went toadflax, Buenos Aires verbena, and gauras. It also works well as a ground cover on embankments and in rockeries, in the company of scabiosa, skullcaps, and Santolina virens. It is beautiful above walls. It can also be grown in pots. 

Fun fact: Catnip acts as a sort of drug on some cats. They start by looking up and moving their head before rubbing against the plant for several minutes. Don't worry; it is perfectly harmless to our felines!