Nepeta stewartiana

The Tales & The Botany: Nepeta x stewartiana

This cultivar is new to cultivation which makes it a rare find.

We have purchased our seeds from Plant World Seeds where they were collected on the recent Alpine Garden Society China Expedition.

Why is it called catnip? The nepetalactone contained in some species of the genus Nepeta binds to the olfactory receptors of cats, usually causing temporary euphoria that makes them roll and shudder with pure joy.

The genus name Nepeta originates from the Italian town of Nepete, where the plant was historically cultivated for medicinal purposes, particularly as a mild sedative.

Legend has it that Nepeta was once used to calm restless cats, which is why many varieties are affectionately called “catmint.”

The specific epithet stewartiana honors the British breeder who selected this hybrid for its prolific flowers, compact form, and fragrant, silvery foliage.

🌸 Floral Morphology

The flowers of Stewart’s catmint appear in dense spikes at the tips of the stems.

Each small, tubular flower is lavender-blue and bilaterally symmetrical, characteristic of the mint family, with a two-lipped corolla that provides a convenient landing platform for pollinators.

The four stamens are enclosed within the corolla tube, and the forked style receives pollen delivered primarily by bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.

Leaves are opposite, ovate to lanceolate, and covered in fine hairs that reduce water loss while giving the plant its soft, silvery appearance.

When brushed or crushed, the foliage emits a gentle, aromatic scent that adds sensory interest to the garden.

🌱 Reproductive Biology

Flowers are hermaphroditic, with self-pollination possible but cross-pollination by bees, butterflies, and hoverflies preferred.

Fruits are small, nutlet-like seeds, allowing for slow self-seeding under ideal conditions.

Blooming occurs from late spring through mid-summer, with repeat flowering possible if deadheaded.

🌍 Écologie & Adaptations

Nepeta × stewartiana thrives in temperate and Mediterranean-style gardens, particularly in:

• • Borders and rockeries: Adds soft color and texture while filling gaps with low, compact foliage.

  • Pollinator gardens: Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

  • Sun-exposed sites: Full sun encourages prolific flowering and compact growth.

Key adaptations include:

• • High drought tolerance once established, thanks to hairy, silvery leaves that minimize water loss.

  • Sun-loving: Performs best in full sun, though partial shade is tolerated.

  • Low-maintenance: Aromatic foliage deters some pests, and the plant requires minimal care.

  • Long flowering period: Provides continuous color and nectar for several weeks.

  • Self-supporting compact habit: Ideal for front-of-border planting, edging, or container use.

Other Names:

Himalayan Catmint

Stewart’s Catmint

Origin:

Pakistan, Kashmir, north-western India, and Tibet