A classic cottage garden perennial nepeta racemosa is a low spreading herbaceous plant with aromatic grey45green leaves and lax spires of lilac45blue flowers throughout summer the profusion of nectar45rich flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies whilst the foliage is very attractive to cats giving rise to the common name 39catmint39 fantastic for spilling informally over the edge of paths or grown in mediterranean style gardens raceme catnip is also excellent