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Herbaceous Perennial

Nepeta racemosa
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

dwarf catmint

A spreading to upright perennial with aromatic foliage and terminal whorls of tubular violet-blue flowers to 2cm in length in summer

Other common names
dwarf catnip
katinminttu
see moreraceme catnip
Synonyms
Nepeta mussinii Spreng.
Nepeta reichenbachiana
see moreNepeta racemosa var. reichenbachiana
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
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
Caucasia, Iran

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Trim after flowering to keep plants compact and to encourage a second flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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