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Herbaceous Perennial

Nepeta racemosa
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

dwarf catmint

N. racemosa is a spreading to upright perennial with aromatic foliage and terminal whorls of tubular violet-blue flowers to 2cm in length in summer

Other common names
dwarf catnip
katinminttu
see moreraceme catnip
Synonyms
Nepeta mussinii Spreng.
Nepeta reichenbachiana
see moreNepeta racemosa var. reichenbachiana
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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
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–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
Caucasia, Iran

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

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

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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