About
A herbaceous perennial to around 1m tall with branched stems bearing lemon-scented, greyish-green, scallop-edged leaves. Small purple-spotted white flowers are borne in dense, terminal spikes from summer into autumn.
About the genus
Nepeta can be annuals or, more commonly, perennials, with paired, usually aromatic leaves, and terminal spikes or panicles of 2-lipped, tubular flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Mediterranean climate plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun
PruningTrim after flowering to keep plants compact
PropagationPropagate by seed or by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn or by division
Pest resistanceMay be damaged by slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers