About
A bushy perennial, to around 60cm, with upright stems bearing elongated, oblong-shaped grey-green leaves with serrated edges, pointed tips and pale, woolly undersides. Dense spikes of small purple flowers are produced from mid to late 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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toSpain and NW Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun
PruningTrim after flowering to keep plants compact
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, by semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn or by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers