Description
A hardy perennial which grows to 3-4ft (1-1.3m) tall. It has a square shaped, hairy, branching and ridged stem, which has a pungent scent. The leaves are heart shaped with scalloped edges; their underside's covered in tiny grey-white hairs which give a downy feel. They are pointed, grey-green, arranged in pairs opposite each other up the stem and exude a minty scent. Whorls of bilabiate white or blue-purple flowers grow in spikes. The seeds are small, brown with a white speck, oval yet flat and are viable for up to 5 years.

Catmint - Nepea mussinii
This variety grows to only 18" (45cm) high and makes an attractive border plant. It sports 6" (15cm) tall spikes of mildly scented lavender-blue flowers late spring to early autumn.

Cultivation

Site:	Full sun to light shade. Prefers a light, well drained, composted soil. Does well on dry, chalky and sandy soils.
Propagation:	Sow/divide whole plant in spring. Take softwood cuttings late spring.
General Care:	Thin/transplant to 12" (30cm) apart. Cut back in autumn. May need protection from cats attracted by the scent.
Problems:	Leaves may gain a white coating caused by powdery mildew.
Harvest:	Pick leaves when young and flowering tops.

Preservation: Whole plant can be dried.