Nepeta racemosa (Persian Catmint) is a flowering perennial that is native to western Asia and part of the mint family. Persian Catmint is often grown by cat lovers for the euphoric effect on felines but the plant also produces beautiful violet flowers and aromatic leaves and repels mosquitos and cockroaches.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Nepeta racemosa is also sometimes referred to as Dwarf Catnip or Raceme Catnip and is commonly grown in garden beds, a border plant or as a groundcover. The beauty of the plant as an ornamental has prompted it to be awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
The whole genus of Nepeta plants are known to have a nirvana-like effect on some domestic cats due to the chemical nepetalactone which has the added bonus of repelling mosquitos.
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Growth
Nepeta racemosa is a small herbaceous perennial that only grows to around 30cm (12 inches) high and about 40cm (16 inches) wide. Persian Catmint enjoys warm, sunny conditions and soil that drains well. It is not frost tolerant and will regress at temperatures under 5°C/41°F.
Once established, plants don’t require much maintenance and produce beautiful violet, lavender coloured flowers from late Spring right through to Autumn. The flowers attract both bees and butterflies.
As a companion plant the aromatic leaves of the Persian Catmint does well to repel lots of nasty pests and is beneficial when planted near roses, fruit orchards and vegetable gardens.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5-30°C / 41-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30cm (12 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 40cm (16 inches)
pH:
5.5-8.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees and Butterflies.
MATURITY:
90-120 days
GERMINATION RATES:
70-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days at temperatures between 21-27°C / 70-80°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1300
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Sometimes.
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT NEPETA RACEMOSA (Persian Catmint)
Nepeta racemosa is native to the Caucasus region including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia as well as in Turkey and northern parts of Iran.
The botanical epithet ‘racemosa’ translates to having racemes of flowers.
Nepetalactone, the chemical responsible for driving cats crazy, is not effective on most cats under 6 months old and around 30% of domestic cat breeds.
A popular bred variety sold at nurseries as plants is the Walker’s Low Catmint which is derived from the same species.
