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Herbaceous Perennial

Nepeta italica
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Italian catmint

An upright, perennial with ovate, light green aromatic leaves and whorls of white, long-tubed flowers, forming long, lax spikes in mid and late summer and early autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Nepeta can be annuals or, more commonly, perennials, with paired, usually aromatic leaves, and terminal spikes or panicles of 2-lipped, tubular flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Italy, Turkey to Iraq

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in trays in autumn or divide in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Trim after flowering to keep plants compact and to encourage a second flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers

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