About
Nepeta nervosa, prominently-veined catmint, is a bushy perennial to 60 cm forming a mound of unbranched, upright stems with aromatic, narrow, prominently-veined, green to grey-green leaves. From summer into early autumn it bears short, dense spikes to 15 cm of small, purple-blue flowers. 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, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toKashmir
FragranceFoliage
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 or semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn or by division
Pest resistanceMay be damaged by slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers