Plants in cultivation under this name are usually the garden hybrid Nepeta x fassenii[].

Common Name:

General Information

Nepeta sibirica is a herbaceous perennial plant with a long, creeping, woody rootstock that produces suckers; the slender stems can be 40 - 100cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild ffor its essential oil. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its long period of profuse flowering[]. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[].
Nepeta sibirica can easily escape from cultivation and become naturalized[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Central and eastern Asia - western Siberia and Kazakhstan, through Mongolia and northern China to Russian Far East

Habitat

Hillsides; at elevations from 1,800 - 2,700 metres[]. A montane species, growing along banks of mountain rivers and streams, steppe meadows, wastelands, meadow and stony slopes, rarely in broadleaved forest, usually a weed growing near habitations[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Nepeta sibirica is one of the most cold hardy species in this genus[].
Easily grown in an average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates dry soils, but is intolerant of wet soils. The plant is somewhat intolerant of thheat and humidity, and appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates[]. The plant can be rather aggressive, particularly if grown in rich, moist soils[].
Removing the flower spikes after initial flowering can promote continued blooming[].
The plant can easily escape from cultivation and become naturalized[].
Although Nepeta cataria is the true catnip the scent of which drives house cats ecstatic, the leaves of this species are also attractive, albeit less enticing, to cats[]

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the plants[]. The aerial part of the plant yields about 0.15% essential oil that may be used in the perfume industry[].
An extract of the leaves and flowering stems is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a hair conditioner, humectant and skin conditioner[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in the autumn, in situ if possible. Germination of spring sown seed can be erratic[]. The seed is best sown in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer.
Division of clumps in the autumn or spring, when the plant is dormant or just coming into growth[].
Stem tip or softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring or early summer[].