About
A herbaceous perennial to 1m; usually clump-forming but may run on light soils. Upright stems of paired, aromatic leaves are topped by spikes of purplish-blue, tubular flowers from late spring 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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun
PruningRemove spent flower heads to encourage more flowers and avoid self-seeding. Cut hard back at the end of the flowering season or in early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed, or 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
Disease resistancePowdery mildews can be problematic