About
A compact perennial to 60cm tall and 30cm wide with upright stems bearing pale to mid-green, aromatic, bluntly-toothed leaves. Whorls of violet-blue flowers to 2.5cm long are borne on long spikes from summer into 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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-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 usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationPrefers moist but well-drained soil in partial shade
PruningDeadheading plants regularly will prolong flowering
PropagationDivide in spring or autumn or take softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slug and snail damage on young growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers