About

This bushy, clump-forming deciduous herbaceous perennial with tall, ovate, aromatic, wrinkled mid to dark green foliage and upright spikes of white flowers, which are produced from summer through until the 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, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

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 usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningTrim after flowering to keep plants compact
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