About
Nepeta nuda, the naked catmint, is a bushy, clump-forming perennial with aromatic, grey-green, hairless leaves and upright spires of small, pale-lavender flowers to 1 m. 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-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, Coastal, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toS Europe Asia
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningTrim after flowering to keep plants compact and to encourage a second flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn, by softwood cuttings in early summer, or by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers