About

Hill Grounds' is a bushy, relatively compact perennial to 55cm tall forming mounds of greyish-green, aromatic foliage topped with spikes of intense violet-blue flowers in summer.

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
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-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, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun
PruningTrim in midsummer to keep plants compact and to encourage further flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn or by softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be damaged by slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers