About
Nepeta grandiflora, Caucasus catmint, is a clump-forming, upright perennial to 75 cm with downy, aromatic grey-green leaves and long, lax spikes of light purple-blue flowers in early summer. A rewarding and easy-care catmint for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Nepeta, the catmints, are aromatic annuals or, more commonly, perennials with paired, usually hairy leaves and terminal spikes or panicles of two-lipped, tubular flowers in lavender-blue to purple, pink or white. Popular and easy-care border plants attractive to bees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toCaucasus
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun
PruningTrim after flowering to keep the plant bushy and compact
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn or by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers