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Herbaceous Perennial

Nepeta tuberosa subsp. tuberosa
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

tuberous catmint

Stiff, upright grey-hairy stems to 80cm tall with aromatic narrow, oval, whitish woolly leaves 8cm long and bearing dense spikes of tiny purple flowers amid tiers of mauve-purple buds, from July to early September

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Chalk
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver White
Summer Purple Grey Silver White
Autumn Purple Grey Silver White
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
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
Throughout the range of the species

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Flowered stems can be cut down after flowering is finished

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers and slug damage on young growth

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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