About
A bushy perennial up to 90cm tall with lance-shaped, scallop-edged leaves to 8cm long and purple-blue flowers to 3.5cm borne in relatively distant whorls towards the stem tips.
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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toChina
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadheading plants regularly will prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in autumn, divide in spring or autumn, or take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn
Pest resistanceSlugs and snails may damage young growth
Disease resistancePowdery mildews may be a problem in dry summers