About
An upright, aromatic, clump-forming perennial to 50cm, with branching stems and toothed, vivid green leaves. In mid- and late summer produces open spires of violet-blue flowers arranged in whorls.
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
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate light shade
PruningDeadhead spent flowerheads and cut hard back at the end of the flowering season or in early spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn; take softwood stem-tip cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn
Pest resistanceMay be damaged by slugs and snails and cats
Disease resistancePowdery mildews can be problematic