About
A clump-forming perennial with upright stems to 1.8m tall bearing scallop-edged, grey-green, triangular to oval-shaped, aromatic leaves. Spikes of tubular, lilac-blue flowers with darker calyces are borne from summer into 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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toAlbania, Greece
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. May need support
PruningTrim after flowering to keep plants compact and to encourage a second flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division in spring or autumn or by softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews