Nepeta racemosa aka Persian Catmint

Nepeta racemosa, also known as dwarf catnip or raceme catnip, is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Caucasus, Turkey, northern Iran, and Iraq. The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and 45 cm wide, with gray-green, hairy, ovate leaves that have crenate margins and heart-shaped bases. When crushed or bruised, the leaves emit a highly aromatic scent. In summer, pale lilac to deep violet two-lipped flowers, measuring about 1/2" long, bloom in loose raceme-like verticillasters. Nepeta racemosa is one of several Nepeta species that are cultivated as ornamentals. It is particularly suitable for the front of a flower border or as groundcover. The plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, as has the cultivar ‘Walker’s Low’. However, it is important to note that Nepeta cataria is the true catnip that drives house cats ecstatic, but the leaves of Nepeta racemosa are also attractive, albeit somewhat less enticing, to cats. Dwarf catnip is a relatively rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and well-draining soil. The plant does not require added fertilizers if it is repotted each time it doubles in size. The Latin specific epithet racemosa means “having racemes of flowers”. Additionally, the chemical nepetalactone found in this plant is believed to have a euphoric effect on some domestic cats, as well as repelling cockroaches and mosquitoes.