About
An upright, perennial with ovate, light green aromatic leaves and whorls of white, long-tubed flowers, forming long, lax spikes in mid and late summer and early 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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toItaly, Turkey to Iraq
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun
PruningTrim after flowering to keep plants compact and to encourage a second flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in trays in autumn or divide in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers