Catnip is a fragrant thicket. Catnip planting and care in open ground, growing from seeds, types and varieties photo Catnip blue carpet in landscape design

Catnip is a spicy-aromatic herbaceous plant native to Eurasia. widespread. Its varieties can be found on roadsides, wastelands, edges of fields, and streams. produces flowers of blue, blue, violet shades. The leaves have a pungent odor, reminiscent of a combination of and. Some varieties of catnip have medicinal properties, and some are pests.

Catnip (catnip)

Cat mint has green or gray-green foliage on straight, branched stems. The light green stems are covered with small hairs.

Mint leaves have rough edges and their front and back surfaces are also covered with fine hairs. In winter, the plant “hibernates”, and in early spring fresh stems appear. Under ideal conditions, the plant can grow up to 90 cm in height. The cat flower can bloom from late spring to autumn, and in general the flowering period can last from one to two months.

The small flowers are born in densely crowded whorls on spiny terminal racemes.

The two-lipped flowers are white with pale purple or pink spots on the lower lip and are typical of the mint family. The small upper lip has two lobes, while the lower lip includes three: with a larger middle lobe and a frill.
of all kinds, as well as flies and many different types of butterflies visit with nectar. Pruning after the initial bloom encourages catnip to bloom again.

Did you know? Catnip gets its name from the intoxicating effect it has on domestic cats.Fragrance oil (nepetalactone), found in catnip leaves (in the sebaceous glands on the undersides of the leaves and on the stems), is a strong cat magnet.Large cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, lynxes and jaguars are also sensitive to nepetalactone.10-30% of cats do not react to catnip, regardless of age.

Cat mint is not particularly known for its ornamental qualities, so it is grown solely for the purpose of attracting butterflies. In addition, the plant has many benefits for humans, having a beneficial effect on his body.

The grass was once widely used for medicinal purposes, however, today this method of application is not very common.

Scientists have also shown that the active ingredient in mint leaves is an excellent mosquito repellent, although it is not effective when applied to the skin.
The foliage can be used fresh or dried to make herbal tea or used as a culinary herb.

catnip exceptionally easy to grow. Mint blooms profusely in full sun and well-drained, but can survive in partial shade and poor soils.

Soil moisture levels and soil fertility greatly influence plant size. The grass is easily propagated by seeds or by dividing bushes. The best time to harvest is The end of the summer when the plant is in full bloom.

cut stem and (or whole plants cut off at the base) can be hung to dry in a dark, warm, well-ventilated area. The dried leaves are often used to make herbal tea.

Store dried mint in tightly closed containers. Dried leaves retain their aroma. However, with long-term storage, the attractiveness for cats decreases, as essential oils evaporate from them.
Should be considered that the plant can be damaged by domestic cats who find its storage location. Therefore, some suggest covering the mint with a decorative cage, others recommend growing the plant in a hanging basket.

A plant common on the dry rocky slopes of the Caucasus. Maximum bush height- 40 cm. Leaves are thin, wrinkled, green or grayish-green.

Purple flowers are collected in a one-sided brush. The herb contains 0.2-0.5% essential oil, the leaves - 0.25%. The oil has a sharp minty-camphor smell.
Reproduce its seeds, the germination of which takes from 18 to 30 days. The plant is planted at the end of summer. The flowering period of the “blue” catnip is quite extended (from March to September).

The grass does not require special care, it is enough to add a little standard to the soil from time to time. It is recommended to prune flowering stems in sunny weather, at the end of the flowering season.

The cut stems and leaves are laid out to dry in a thin layer in special dryers or under a canopy. Dried herbs are stored in paper bags in a dry, ventilated place.

Apply dried catnip moussini as a spice for salting fish. In addition, dry herbs are used as a seasoning for various dishes.

Catnip grandiflora - perennial medicinal plant. The height of the grass can reach 50 cm. The bracts have a blue-violet hue.

The leaves are quite thin. The corolla is fluffy and purple-blue in color. The length of the corolla is about 17 mm. The grass blooms in the second half of June, and the ripening of fruits begins in the first half of July.
The plant grows on forest edges, meadows and grassy slopes. Under natural conditions, this catnip is found in Ukraine (Zaporozhye region, Crimea), the Baltic states, the Caucasus, as well as in the European part of the Russian Federation and Siberia. This variety of catnip is also often called Siberian.

The flowers, stems and leaves of grass are endowed with many healing properties, which is explained by the presence of essential oil and iridoids in its composition.

An infusion prepared from large-flowered catnip is recommended to drink as an anti-inflammatory and tonic.

Catnip multicut

Catnip multicut- a perennial plant overgrown with grass. It is found on steppe slopes and open meadows. Geographical range: Mongolia and most regions of the Russian Federation.

The grass stems are simple or have little branching. The height of the plant reaches 50 cm. The leaves are located on short petioles, divided into 3 or 5 parts. Inflorescences are spike-shaped.
The leaves in the inflorescence zone are oval, pointed, shaggy, bluish at the top.

The calyxes have protruding hairs and sessile amber glands. The corollas are twice as long as the calyx, and are colored blue-purple.

Iezk catnip is an aromatic perennial, reaching a height of up to 100 cm. The stems are thick and straight. The leaves are located on petioles up to 2 cm long. The flowers of the Iezk catnip are located in false whorls, at the very top of the shoot.

Umbrella axis - densely hairy. The length of the flowers is up to 30-35 mm. The bracts are narrow-lanceolate-linear, with long pubescent hairs.

The calyx is tubular, bent, with long soft teeth, and has a bluish tint. The corolla is two-lipped, with a thin violet-blue tube.
The outside of the corolla is densely hairy. The fruits are smooth, obovate, pubescent at the apex, about 3 mm long. It blooms in late summer (August) and bears fruit in September.

Important!The Iezk catnip is an endangered species. The plant is on the verge of extinction. Today, the main habitat of this variety is northern Japan.

Low-growing groundcover perennial. This plant differs from other varieties of catnip in having narrower leaves. The clusters of inflorescences are blue or pink. The attractive foliage is greyish-green.

Plant very unpretentious, demonstrates early, abundant and long-lasting flowering (throughout the entire summer season). Catnip is undemanding to soil composition.
And thanks to its drought resistance, it thrives in sunny places. However, the plant can thrive in light partial shade.

Reaches 40-50 cm in height and all parts of the plant are quite fragrant. This variety is ideal for decorating borders and rockeries.

Since it is rich in aromatic essential oils, its flowers and leaves attract beneficial plants to the garden.
Also recommended for growing in pots and other containers and suitable for roof gardening.

Low growing ground cover plant. The height of the perennial is only 25-30 cm. The leaves are pale green. The flowers have a blue tint and are collected in inflorescences.
Blooms very abundantly and for a long time(from June to October). In addition, pruning faded parts of the bush enhances further flowering. The perennial propagates well by seeds. The grass is pretty unpretentious, drought-resistant and frost-resistant.

Bushes prefer sunny places and well-drained sandy soils. But do not forget to trim the bushes after the flowering period.

A week after pruning, you will again observe abundant flowering. This grass does not suffer from any disease and is very attractive to butterflies.

Did you know?Veined catnip is often called "blue carpet".This really is a very attractive ground cover plant.This catnip decorates the garden with a thick blue carpet and charming grayish-green foliage. Decorative properties are not lost even after the end of the flowering period.

Kokand catnip

Kokand catnip- a variety that grows in alpine meadows at an altitude of 4000 m. The plant can be found in Central Asia and China. Stems are numerous, straight, strongly branched, 10-40 cm tall. Together with the leaves, they are covered with hairs.

Catnip is a perennial herbaceous plant with beautiful flowers, a wonderful aroma and many beneficial properties. It belongs to the Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae) family and is widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The aroma of catnip attracts cats, which is why it is also called “catnip.” In addition to this name, in various regions it is called “nepeta”, “field balsam”, “sick grass” or “matoshnik”. In its natural environment, catnip prefers meadows, light forests and mountain slopes. It lends itself well to cultivation and becomes an excellent decoration for a personal plot.

Botanical description

Catnip has a highly branched, woody rhizome. Above the ground there is a tall stem with lateral shoots. The shoots have an erect or lodging form. The bush can grow 25-100 cm in height. There is dense pubescence on the stem and petioles. The oval leaves are arranged oppositely. They are oval or heart-shaped with a serrated edge.

In mid-June, spike-shaped inflorescences bloom at the ends of the shoots. Asymmetrical buds are colored lilac, violet or white. Purple and violet dots are present on the throat and lip. After the flowers are pollinated, the fruits, the seed pods, ripen. Each contains round nuts with a smooth brown surface. If you mow the catnip after flowering, then by the end of August a second wave of flowering will occur.

During the growing season and flowering, various essential oils are synthesized in the plant, so the smell of catnip is different at different times. In spring it smells of geranium or roses, and later a distinct lemon aroma emerges.

Types of catnip

The catnip genus includes more than 250 plant species. All of them are suitable for cultivation, but most often only a few species are found in gardens.

The erect, branched stems of the plant reach a height of 0.4-1 m. They are covered with brownish fleecy bark. The ovoid leaves are 2-8 cm long and are bright green. Racemose loose inflorescences consist of white buds with purple specks. The diameter of the corolla is 0.7-1 cm. The plant has a spicy lemon aroma and is very popular with felines. The variety suffers from severe frosts, but quickly recovers due to abundant self-sowing.

A herbaceous plant up to 30 cm high, covered with light green narrow leaves. It has an unpretentious character. During the period of prolonged flowering (June-September) it is abundantly covered with dirty white flowers.

A low-growing, ground-cover form no more than 20 cm high. The pubescent stems are hidden under wide, bright green leaves. Long lavender inflorescences bloom in June and persist until frost. They exude an intense minty aroma.

The height of the densely leafy subshrub is 40-100 cm. Erect, rigid stems are covered with velvety pubescence. The bluish, heart-shaped leaves grow 2-8 cm in length. The spike-shaped inflorescences contain bluish-lilac, two-lipped flowers, their petals are covered with purple specks.

Catnip grandiflora (Siberian). Erect stems 0.6-1 m high are covered with short pubescence. They bear oblong-lanceolate light green leaves 5-15 cm long. Loose spike-shaped inflorescences consist of purple calyxes with a diameter of 2.5-3.5 cm.

Reproduction methods

Catnip propagation is possible by seed and vegetative methods. Due to low germination, seeds are best sown as seedlings. At the end of March, sandy-peaty soil is prepared in greenhouses or boxes. For sowing, grooves are made 1 cm deep at a distance of 5-8 cm from each other. The first shoots appear 6-7 days after planting, but not uniformly. Until 4-5 true leaves grow, the seedlings develop very slowly. Then the seedlings should be planted in separate peat or plastic pots. By the fiftieth day, the height of the seedlings reaches 10 cm, which means the seedlings are ready for transplanting into open ground. It is necessary to maintain a distance of 60-70 cm between rows, and 20-40 cm between bushes.

Large plants can be divided during spring. To do this, they are completely dug up and the rhizome is carefully freed from the earthen clod. The roots are separated by hand, each division should contain several growth points. The seedlings are immediately planted in a new place. Before planting, dig up the soil well and fertilize it.

Planting and care

The land for catnip begins to be prepared in the fall. It is necessary to choose a place with light and fertile soil. The designated area is dug up and fertilizer is applied. For every m² of land the following are used:

• compost (up to 3 kg);
• ammonium nitrate (15-20 g);
• superphosphate (20-30 g);
• potassium sulfate (5-10 g).

After the snow melts, the ground is thoroughly loosened and seedlings are planted. In the southern regions, sowing can be done immediately in open ground before winter or in early spring.

Caring for catnip does not require much effort. The unpretentious plant is actively growing, so you will have to make sure that it does not leave the designated area.

The plant develops best in well-lit areas or in slight shade. It is not afraid of drafts and daily temperature changes. Watering should be moderate. In severe drought, catnip slows down its growth, although it remains decorative. But with regular flooding of the soil, the roots rot.

In snowy, not too severe winters, the catnip can be left without shelter. If severe frosts are expected, it is better to cover the thickets with fallen leaves and spruce branches. In spring, vegetation is fertilized with mineral compounds with a high nitrogen content. On fertile soils, regular fertilizing is not necessary. If necessary, you can fertilize the plant once a month with a small portion of mineral or organic fertilizers.

Catnip is resistant to plant diseases and pests. In rainy weather, powdery mildew may develop. Sometimes cicadas settle on bushes. Insects do not cause much harm to the plant. If you intend to prepare medicinal raw materials, treatment with chemicals should be avoided.

Composition and medicinal properties

The above-ground parts of the catnip contain a large amount of essential oils and bioactive substances. Among them:

• geraniol;
• citronellol;
• citral;
• limonene;
• tannins;
• vitamins;
• sugar.

The highest concentration of beneficial components is achieved during the flowering period. It is then that the raw materials are procured.

The range of beneficial properties of catnip is very wide. It is used not only in folk, but also in official medicine. Preparations based on catnip have bactericidal, stimulating, restorative, diuretic, and sedative effects. The crushed herb is dried and used to prepare decoctions.

It is important to remember that catnip has not only beneficial properties, but also contraindications. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as well as in the presence of allergies and tachycardia.

Using catnip

• In the garden. Dense thickets of catnip with blue-violet flowers are widely used in landscape design. Low plants form a continuous fragrant carpet. Tall species are planted along fences, paths or in combined flower beds. The best neighbors for catnip are lavender, sage, geranium, iris, yarrow, sedum, oregano, decorative onions and others.
• In the kitchen. Young catnip shoots are eaten as a flavorful seasoning for sauce or salad. The plant is also used in fish marinade, confectionery and homemade alcoholic drinks.
• In the cosmetics and perfume industry. Catnip essential oil can be found on store shelves in its pure form. It is also added to cosmetic products for skin and hair care, as well as to eau de toilette.

Catnip is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. There are many species of catnip, about 250; under natural conditions they grow in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America; about 80 species are found in Russia.

Catnip (another name is Nepeta) forms bushes from 20 cm to 1 meter in height. All parts of the plant have a pleasant aroma. Catnip is a valuable medicinal plant. Most catnip species bloom profusely and for a long time.

Catnip (Nepeta) in the garden

In garden design, catnips are used to decorate flower beds and borders, in. The plant is also attractive to bees. Suitable for growing in garden containers and also for greening roofs. In flower beds it combines beautifully with, and.

Types of catnip:

The most commonly used in garden design are the lush ground cover bushes of Mussini's catnip and Fassin's catnip. Also attractive is a taller species: Siberian catnip (or grandiflora catnip). Catnip is also found. However, he is less attractive. This is a tall plant, up to 100 cm, and not all gardeners like the love of cats for it. The low ground cover Kokand catnip is attractive, however, it is not winter-hardy enough.

1. Catnip Mussini (Nepeta mussinij) – low, about 20 cm in height, lush bushes with wide heart-shaped oval leaves with a bluish tint and lavender-blue inflorescences. The plant is very fragrant and blooms for a long time from June until frost.

2. Fassin's catnip (Nepeta x faassenii). Hybrid look. A beautiful and unpretentious perennial, about 20-30 cm tall, blooms from June until frost.

3. Catnip, or catnip (Nepeta cataria) - has branched bluish-pubescent stems from 40 to 100 meters. It has a lemon aroma similar to that of lemon balm. The plant received the name “catnip” because its aroma is attractive to cats, just like the aroma of valerian. Gives abundant self-seeding.

4. Kokand catnip (Nepeta kokanica) forms a compact bush with bluish foliage about 10-40 cm in height. The aroma is sharp minty, blooms in August. The plant is attractive, however, it is not winter-hardy enough in our climate.

5. Veined catnip (Nepeta nervosa) is a low ground cover plant about 25 cm in height. Blooms profusely from June to September. The variety of veined catnip “Blue Carpet” is often found on sale. The plant is unpretentious, winter-hardy and drought-resistant.

6. Siberian catnip , orgrandiflora (Nepeta sibirica). Tall catnip. It has straight pubescent stems about 60-100 cm tall, oblong-lanceolate leaves. Blooms in July-August. Winter-hardy.

Catnip (Nepeta). Growing, planting and care

Most catnip species prefer sunny locations and dry, fresh, light soil. The plants are drought-resistant; after the first wave of flowering (around July), it is recommended to cut the shoots in half, this will promote more compact growth and abundant flowering.

Catnip reproduces by dividing bushes or by seeds. Division and cuttings are carried out in the spring. Seeds can be sown in May in open ground or in April for seedlings. If grown with seedlings, you can get flowering in the first year; it blooms approximately 2.5-3 months after sowing. Catnips easily reproduce by self-sowing.

Catnip (Nepeta) in garden design (photo)

Catnip is a favorite among designers. After all, the plant is unpretentious, blooms almost the entire season until the snow, filling the garden with a beautiful lavender-blue-violet color, giving the flower beds a lush and openwork volume.

This is a traditional companion for roses. Looks great in borders where it can be combined with salvias and cuffs.

Large decorative onions look interesting in the thickets of catnip; they seem to continue the theme of purple color and openwork inflorescences, however, they protrude in a different spherical contrasting shape: openwork purple balls rise on thin legs above a purple cloud.

Even cats know catnip; they call it catnip. The aroma of the plant attracts cats no worse than valerian. But gardeners rarely plant this plant. No, it is not capricious, it is quite unpretentious in care, but in winters with little snow, when there is a lot of moisture, it sometimes falls out. In addition, it is a young plant and requires division every 3-5 years. And not everyone likes the scent. Although many are happy to use this plant in teas, pickles and marinations, homemade sauces, vinegars, flower wines, etc.

This is a wonderful plant for the garden; it brings a cool blue tint that is quite rare for plants. Looks great in flower beds, forms long-blooming borders, and goes well with stone in rockeries. And it will turn vegetable beds into a decorative vegetable garden, over which pollinators attracted by honey-bearing flowers will fuss.

Of all the catnip genus (Nepeta), in which there are about 250 species, several of the most common and decorative species can be distinguished. Among them there will definitely be one that you will like with its smell.

(Nepeta cataria)- not the most decorative in this series. Usually quite tall, more than a meter. Complex inflorescences - racemes consisting of semi-umbrellas of off-white, often with purple spots, flowers, are formed at the ends of branched stems. The flowers are small, less than 1 cm long, with a coarsely toothed middle lobe and semicircular lateral ones. The leaves are ovate, with petioles much longer than the blade.

Nepeta cataria var. citriodora- a variety with a strong lemon aroma, often called lemon catnip, although no such botanical species exists.

(Nepeta grandiflora) also tall, from 0.5 to 1.5 m. The branched stems bear multi-flowered umbrella-shaped inflorescences collected in a long loose raceme. The flowers are violet-blue, more than 1.5 cm long, with a dissected upper lip and a large coarsely toothed middle lobe of the lower lip, much larger in size than the lateral triangular ones. The leaves are thin, from ovate to almost lanceolate, pubescent, especially below, which is why they are bluish on the inside. Blooms from mid-June to August.

This species, although it is called large-flowered, does not have the largest flowers.

But the catnip is semi-sedentary (Nepeta subsessilis) so beautiful that it is even suitable for cutting. The flowers of a very attractive cornflower blue color are collected in arranged false whorls, forming a tall, from 10 to 28 cm, spike of 60-70 flowers! They are large, up to 4 cm long. The leaves are broadly oval or broadly lanceolate, blunt-toothed along the edges, and bright green. Blooms in July. It has varieties with flowers of lavender-blue, salmon-pink, lavender-pink shades; they are rare in cultivation.

(Nepeta sibirica) The leaves are similar to it, but they are more pointed and serrated along the edges, the upper ones are sessile, the lower ones have short petioles, glandular, with a very pleasant aroma. The flowers are bluish-blue, with the smell of honey, in length they can compete with the previous species, but have a narrower tube, an upper lip dissected into blunt lobes and a kidney-shaped central lobe of the lower lip. The flowers form multi-flowered panicles, collected in a loose raceme. The plant is compact and decorative, up to 1 m tall. Blooms in July-August. In beauty, this species is perhaps not inferior to the previous one, but it grows more slowly and does not spread.

(Nepeta × faassenii)- a very popular decorative look in Europe. Is a hybrid Nepeta racemosa x N. nepetella, obtained from the Dutch nursery Fassena in the 1930s. It has lodging and ascending stems from 30 to 60 cm long. It blooms for a very long time, from June to September, with small lavender flowers with a faint aroma, densely covering the tops of the stems. The leaves are gray-green, pubescent, ovoid, on petioles.

There are a number of varieties with flowers in different shades, from white to lilac-blue. The most common variety is Walker's Low- with dark stems up to 60 cm tall and blue-lilac flowers with purple cups, often used for mixborders and borders. Found in the 1970s in Mr Walker's garden in Ireland. Introduced into the English nursery and began to spread in 1988.

Variety Six Hills Giant, formerly known as giant catnip (Nepeta x gigantea)– tall, up to 1 m, with lavender-blue flowers, forming extensive clumps.

Catnip Musina (Nepeta mussinii)– compact mountain species up to 40 cm tall. The leaves are heart-shaped-oval, the upper ones are pressed to the stem, the lower ones are obliquely spaced, serrated along the edges, drooping, grayish-green. The flowers are slightly more than 1 cm long, lilac-bluish, with dark purple spots in the throat. The upper lip is half dissected, the middle lobe of the lower lip is strongly concave, very large, large-crowned, the lateral ones are obliquely triangular. The inflorescences consist of several (up to 10) whorls, collected in a rather one-sided raceme. Suitable for alpine slides and growing in containers.

Domestic botanists also include this species, which is close to it Transcaucasian catnip (Nepeta transcaucasica), Based on genetic research, foreign botanists consider it a synonym Nepeta racemosa. It is more than 50 cm tall, the inflorescences are up to 10 cm long, and consist of several 4-8-flowered false whorls clustered at the tops of the stems. The corolla of the flower is violet-blue, white-pubescent on the outside, up to 2 cm long, the upper lip is dissected into ovoid blunt lobes, the lower one is twice as long as the upper one, with a large central lobe and small oblique semicircular lateral ones. Blooms all summer.

Reproduction

Catnips can be propagated by seeds and vegetatively. Seeds are sown for seedlings in April and in May in open ground. When sowing in spring, cold stratification is necessary. Seeds germinate slowly, 1-3 weeks at a temperature of +16+22 o C. Seedlings are thinned out at a distance of at least 30 cm, more than one plant can be left in each nest. For cutting greenery, plants of the second year of life are used.

Division, as for all youngsters, is required every 3-5 years. Plants are divided in May, at the beginning of stem growth.

It is also possible to propagate by stem cuttings in May or green cuttings (tops) in early summer. You can try propagation by layering - catnip, for example, takes root very well.

Fassin's catnip and its varieties are propagated only vegetatively.

Growing

Catnip is unpretentious to soils and is content with average fertility. In the fall, a small amount of compost or humus is added, and in the spring they are fed with complex mineral fertilizer. Excess fertilizer leads to the development of large green mass to the detriment of flowering. Soil acidity must be maintained slightly acidic or neutral. Acidic soil should be deoxidized with dolomite flour in the fall when humus is added.

Most catnips are drought-resistant and can easily tolerate dry periods, but the quality of greenery and flowering is higher with regular watering. Water should not stagnate, especially in winter, so raised beds or simply drained places are required. When overwatered in winter, plants may become damp. Catnip falls out especially often in winter, but it is well restored from seeds by self-sowing.

Catnip, planted in the sun, blooms in the year of sowing, very quickly ends the growing season and dies in the fall, i.e. behaves like a true juvenile. If you want it to last for several years, plant it in partial shade. For other species, it is better to choose a sunny place.

Catnip semi-sessile - a plant of river banks, needs a good supply of moisture.

Plant care is minimal. It is necessary to trim off faded inflorescences (in the middle of the stem) in time to resume flowering. Many catnips bloom again in the fall, although less abundantly.

Fragrant catnips are best planted along paths and resting areas. They will make a good pair with roses. Low-growing species and varieties can be grown in containers.

Fresh and dried leaves of the plant are used for refreshing and medicinal teas. They have a high content of vitamin C, a calming effect, help with colds, coughs, fevers, stomach ulcers, improve appetite, baths with catnip help with skin diseases. Catnip is safe for children.

Photo: Rita Brilliantova, Maxim Minin

Catnip blooms from May to October, almost throughout the summer, in all shades of blue-violet. This is one of the best plants to create a flower bed in the color of the sky. Catnip is a plant, but its garden varieties are incredibly decorative.

Every year, the German Gardeners' Association selects the best herbaceous perennial of the year. In 2010, it became Nepeta (catnip). What attracted specialists to this plant?

Catnip, catnip (Nepeta) is a perennial medicinal herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. More than 200 species have been described, most of which are distributed in Europe and Asia; in Russia, this plant is widespread in the wild. It grows in forest clearings and wastelands, on slopes and along roads.

Catnip received its unusual name due to the essential oil it contains, which has a lemon scent. It is believed that this aroma attracts like valerian. Catnip is sometimes confused with lemon balm.

Catnip attracts bees, bumblebees and butterflies and is therefore prized by beekeepers and natural garden enthusiasts.

Nepeta stems are 40-100 cm in height, straight, branched, pubescent. The leaves are 2-8 cm long, pointed, heart-shaped at the base, green or gray-green, on long petioles. The edges of the leaves are sharply serrated. Inflorescences with violet or lilac flowers collected in racemes. The flowering period occurs in June-July.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria), or Catnip, is a well-known medicinal plant.

Useful properties of catnip

Catnip has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diaphoretic, expectorant, antitussive and restorative effect. It contains tannins, ascorbic acid, cardiac glycosides, and saponins. The use of decoctions and infusions of catnip helps increase appetite, improve digestion, and normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Catnip is often used to make herbal teas. It goes well with mint and rose petals. To flavor regular tea, just put a couple of leaves in a cup.

This plant is added to herbal antidepressant preparations. Catnip is very effective in combating anxiety and insomnia. Catnip has a powerful sedative effect, so it is advisable to use teas, decoctions and infusions with it before bed.

Catnip is a wonderful spice. Its taste and aroma resembles lemon balm. But, unlike lemon balm, it retains its rich aroma even after drying. Its leaves and young shoots are used both fresh and dried, and added to main courses, spicy-sweet sauces, drinks and sweets.

Catnip as an ornamental plant

There are many cultivated species and varieties of catnip. What they all have in common are aromatic leaves and a long flowering period.

The color palette ranges from violet to lilac, from light blue to dark blue. Several varieties are known with white, pink and even cream flowers. Here are the main properties of this perennial:

• Easy to care for;
• Long flowering;
• An ideal companion for other plants.

Garden catnips, like natural species, are not capricious, caring for them is very simple. They begin to bloom in early summer and flowering lasts a long time. If you cut off the tops, many side shoots grow, and flowering lasts until autumn.

Nepeta makes the perfect backdrop for. The modest charm of the catnip is more clearly manifested in the company of the queen of flowers.

This proximity is also beneficial for the health of roses - catnip protects them from aphid invasion. It has also been noticed that plants adjacent to nepeta in flower beds are practically not affected by slugs and other pests.

Popular varieties of catnip (nepeta)

Catnip "Walker's Low" with lilac-blue flowers and a bush height of 30-40 cm was bred in Britain. In 2007, it won the "plant of the year" nomination. It is winter-hardy and drought-resistant.

Catnip "Blue Moon" is a low-growing groundcover variety with blue racemes and greyish-green foliage. It is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and ability for early, abundant and very long flowering. Winter-hardy, drought-resistant.

Catnip "Pink Kat" - a low variety with beautiful

Bright flowers, collected in dense spike-shaped inflorescences, bright pink. Winter-hardy, drought-resistant.

Catnip "Six Hill's Giant" is a perennial herbaceous plant with very abundant flowering. Attracts beneficial insects to the garden. All its parts are fragrant. Grows well in a sunny, warm place. Does not tolerate heavy soils. Often used in mixborders.

Using catnip in landscape design

Catnip is great for dry slopes, retaining walls and natural style gardens. It will fit into any rock garden or herb garden.

You can grow low-growing varieties of nepeta as a plant along the path, framing flower beds. Looks good in garden vases and compositions in containers.

Catnip is often grown in open areas as a continuous carpet; it grows well in infertile soils, growing quickly and occupying free space.