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Herbaceous Perennial

Nepeta racemosa RCBAM3
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

catmint RCBAM3

A perennial to around 50cm tall forming a mound of grey-green, bluntly-toothed, aromatic foliage. Relatively large, deep purple-blueflowers are borne in tiered whorls on long stems from late spring into summer

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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
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Summer Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

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

Pests

May be susceptible to slug damage on young growth

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews in a dry summer

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