Overview

Nepeta from Ethiopia is a bushy, clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Nepeta, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Nepeta from Ethiopia 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 from Ethiopia is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that forms a clump of deciduous foliage and flowers from June to September. It prefers a sunny position on well-drained soils such as chalk, loam or sand and tolerates a wide soil pH. Suited to south- or west-facing sites, it will stand in both exposed and sheltered locations. Rated H6, it is very hardy in UK conditions.

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 4.0Nepeta

In the garden

Nepeta from Ethiopia sits within the genus Nepeta in the Lamiaceae and is offered as a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with a clear summer flowering season from June to September. The plant carries deciduous leaves and is recommended where a durable summer-flowering perennial is wanted in a sunny spot. Position it in full sun on free-draining soil: chalk, loam or sand all suit its needs, and it will tolerate acid to alkaline pH. South- or west-facing aspects give the best exposure, and the species will cope equally in open or more sheltered sites. Its UK hardiness rating is H6 (very hardy), so it survives typical winter conditions across most of the country. Use Nepeta from Ethiopia in city and courtyard gardens, cottage or informal borders, coastal situations and Mediterranean-style plantings, or where wildlife interest is desired. The long flowering run through the summer makes it useful for extending seasonal colour and activity in mixed perennial groups and informal beds. Expect a reliable display from early June through to the end of 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 from Ethiopia 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 from Ethiopia

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 from Ethiopia?

Nepeta from Ethiopia prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Nepeta from Ethiopia need?

Nepeta from Ethiopia 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 from Ethiopia hardy in the UK?

Nepeta from Ethiopia 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 from Ethiopia?

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