About
This perennial of low, spreading habit to 45cm tall, with highly aromatic, wrinkled silvery grey-green, hairy leaves on low branching stems and spikes of tubular, lavender-blue flowers from early summer to 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
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade
PruningTrim after flowering to keep plants neat and encourage a second flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or propagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers