Nepeta (Catmint)- how to grow and care for

Nepeta (Catmint)

This much-loved perennial is easy to grow, loved by pollinators and a very attractive addition to the garden.  In early summer, these reliable plants produce an abundance of mostly lavender-blue flowers, held above grey-green foliage.

After flowering has finished, plants can be cut back down to the ground to neaten them up and to encourage a second flush of foliage and flowers.

They grow happiest in light, well-drained soil in a full sun position. We grow our range of nepeta either in the poor, free-draining soil of the gravel garden or the improved clay of the reservoir garden where the soil is slightly richer but still free-draining.

We have noticed that all the nepetas grown here are hugely popular with pollinators, so it has earned a place in our  Bees, Bugs and Butterflies collection.

All nepeta species are a valuable source of nectar and pollen to a range of pollinators over an extended summer season; those with larger flowers can accommodate bumblebees, while those with smaller flowers support smaller bees and other insects. They are also larval foodplants for the small, very attractive, mint moth, along with a range of other moth caterpillars.

Our range of nepetas cover various growing habits, flower and foliage, colour and size. Here are just a few of our extensive range:

Nepeta 'Blue Dragon'- Large violet-blue flower, on upright stems. A hybrid between N. yunnanensis  and N. nervosa. Rather nice autumn colour, with yellows and reds. It attracts a lot of attention in our new reservoir garden planting. A tall variety reaching 80cm with a spread of 60cm.

Nepeta 'Weinheim Summer Blues'- recent introduction from Germany with deep blue flowers over a long period. Soon re blooms if cut back. Height and spread 80cm x 50cm.

Nepeta subsessilis 'Pink Dreams'- a good strain of this reliable clump-forming perennial with aromatic dark green leaves and good pink flower spikes from mid-summer to early autumn. Height and spread 60cm x 30cm.

Nepeta  ‘Hill Grounds’- mounds of aromatic, grey-green foliage is topped with spikes of intense violet-blue flowers through summer. Plants reach 50cm in height and a spread of 40cm.

Nepeta racemosa 'Little Titch'- a smaller, lower growing catmint with blue, white lipped flowers and aromatic foliage. Best in full sun and a well drained soil. Height and spread 30cm x 30cm.

Nepeta racemosa 'Walkers Low'- produces long flowering stems above crinkly grey-green leaves. Dark buds and stems add to rich effect of strong blue flowers. Height and spread 75cm x 50cm.

Nepeta  ‘Chettle Blue’- is located at the entrance to the Gravel Garden where its intense blue flowers are admired by our visitors. A slightly taller, more upright variety, reaching 60cm in height and a 40cm spread.

Nepeta 'Veluws Blauwtje'- new to us, this catmint has a softer lavender-blue flower than others. Cut back after flowering to encourage a later flush of flowers. Height and spread 75cm x 50cm.

Nepeta grandiflora ‘Dawn to Dusk’- forms a wide bushy plant set with matt green, scented leaves. Many branching stems set with whorls of pinky-brown, tube-shaped calyces, paler pink lipped flowers. A good option for a more delicate colour scheme. Reaches 90cm in height and 30cm wide.

Nepeta nuda ‘Romany Dusk’- tall, upright dark stems carry pale lilac flowers above wrinkled, grey-green foliage. A very attractive perennial growing to 90cm in height with a spread of 40cm.

For our full range of nepetas, CLICK HERE

Written by Leanne Crozier