About
Has attractive colouring, the flowers being quite a deep blue-mauve, the leaves silvery and aromatic, and the stems dark. It is variable in habit according to growing conditions, and can make a tight mound to 60cm in height in poor soils, or in richer ground grow to 90cm and be more sprawling. Comes into flower in early summer, and will continue into autumn if flushes are deadheaded.
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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Mediterranean climate plants
FragranceFoliage
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. Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slug damage on young growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in a dry summer