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Herbaceous Perennial

Nepeta latifolia

broad-leaved catmint

A bushy, clump-forming deciduous perennial to around 80cm tall with erect, sparsely-branched stems clothed in ovate to oblong aromatic leaves 3-7cm long. Long, narrow spikes of tiered clusters of lavender-blue flowers are borne from midsummer into early autumn. This plant is attractive to cats

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Chalk

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Drought resistance

Yes

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: 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

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Coastal
Mediterranean climate plants
Cottage and informal garden
Gravel garden
Wildlife gardens
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Trim after flowering to keep plants compact

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers

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