Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Herbaceous Perennial

Nepeta subsessilis
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

short-stalked catmint

A clump-forming, upright perennial about 90cm in height, with aromatic dark green leaves to 10cm long, and whorls of pale lavender-purple flowers 2cm long, forming long, lax spikes in mid and late summer and early autumn

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Buy this plant
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
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
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

Plant range
Japan

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers moist but well-drained soil in partial shade

Propagation

Divide in spring or autumn or take softwood cuttings in early summer. Propagate by seed in containers in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadheading plants regularly will prolong flowering

Pests

Slugs and snails may damage young growth

Diseases

Powdery mildews may be a problem in dry summers

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.