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Herbaceous Perennial

Nepeta melissifolia
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A tufted to clump-forming deciduous perennial with aromatic grey-green foliage and upright spikes of blue flowers with tiny red dots on the inside of the petals, which are produced from summer through until the autumn. This plant is attractive to cats

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 Grey Silver Green
Summer Blue Grey Silver Green
Autumn Blue Grey Silver Green
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, Tufted
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 softwood cuttings in early summer or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Trim after flowering to keep the plant bushy and compact

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry summers

Get involved

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