Overview
Nepeta is a bushy, clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Nepeta, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Nepeta grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, coastal, mediterranean climate plants and wildlife gardens.
About
Nepeta, commonly called Catmint, is a herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae that forms clump-forming plants with deciduous foliage and flowers from June to September. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils such as chalk, loam or sand and tolerates a wide soil pH. Plant on a south- or west-facing site where it can cope with either exposed or sheltered conditions. Hardiness is H6 (very hardy), suitable for most UK gardens.
About the genus
Nepeta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. The genus name, from Latin nepeta (“catnip”), is reportedly in reference to Nepete, an ancient Etruscan city.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nepeta
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Nepeta size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nepeta
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn or by division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Nepeta?
Nepeta prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Nepeta need?
Nepeta is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Nepeta hardy in the UK?
Nepeta has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Nepeta?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn or by division.