Overview
Nepeta govaniana is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Nepeta, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Nepeta govaniana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include borders, edging, cottage gardens, informal gardens, gravel gardens, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Himalayas.
About
Nepeta govaniana is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family with a columnar, upright habit. It reaches about 0.5–1 metres tall with a narrow spread of 0.1–0.5 metres and is deciduous. The plant is drought resistant once established and takes two to five years to reach its mature height. Flowering runs from June to September.
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 govaniana is an herbaceous perennial in the family Lamiaceae, grown for its upright, columnar habit. Plants typically reach 0.5–1 metres tall with a spread of 0.1–0.5 metres and are deciduous; most specimens need two to five years to attain their full height. Place it in full sun or partial shade and use soils ranging from chalk and clay to loam, provided they are moist but well-drained or at least well-drained. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH and will cope with both exposed and sheltered positions. Once established it shows drought resistance, so it suits drier, sunnier spots as well as more sheltered borders. Orient plants to east-, south- or west-facing aspects to make the most of available light. With its narrow habit and modest spread, Nepeta govaniana works well in confined border fronts, linear bed edges or mixed herbaceous schemes where a vertical accent is needed. Flowering occurs from June to September, giving an extended summer display that fits the plant’s columnar form and modest footprint.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nepeta
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Nepeta govaniana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Edging, Cottage gardens, Informal gardens, Gravel gardens, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Himalayas
- Fragrance
- Aromatic, minty
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nepeta govaniana
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn, Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Leafhoppers
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Nepeta govaniana?
Nepeta govaniana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Nepeta govaniana need?
Nepeta govaniana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay and loam. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Nepeta govaniana grow?
Nepeta govaniana reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Nepeta govaniana hardy in the UK?
Nepeta govaniana 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 govaniana?
Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn, Division in spring or autumn.
More in the Nepeta genus
- Nepetacatmint
- Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'catmint 'Six Hills Giant'
- Nepeta Grandiflora
- Nepeta grandiflora 'Dawn to Dusk'
- Nepeta racemosa 'Superba'Dwarf Catnip
- Nepeta × faassenii 'Blue Dwarf' ('Blauknirps')Blue Dwarf Catmint
- Nepeta × faassenii 'Variegata'Variegated Catmint
- Nepeta 'Romany Dusk'