Nepeta (catmint) — Bushy, Clump forming

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. There are 295 accepted species.

Wikipedia contributors, "Nepeta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nepeta

In the garden

Nepeta sits in the mint family, presenting as a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with deciduous leaves and a defined flowering season from June to September. Grow it where it can receive full sun, and choose a free-draining soil—chalk, loam or sand—to avoid winter wet. The species tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline soils, so soil pH is rarely a limiting factor. Positioning is straightforward: a south- or west-facing border or bed will maximise flowering, and the plant will handle both exposed and sheltered sites. Its hardiness rating is H6, meaning it is very hardy through typical UK winters and does not usually require winter protection. Use Nepeta in city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal plantings, coastal schemes and Mediterranean-style borders, or within wildlife-friendly areas where a long flowering period is wanted. Give plants room to form clumps and place them where full sun and good drainage are assured. Flowers appear from June to September.

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.

More in the Nepeta genus

Browse all Nepeta →