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Herbaceous Perennial

Nepeta racemosa 'Alba'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

catmint 'Alba'

A compact, clump-forming deciduous perennial with aromatic silver grey-green leaves and arching stems of white flowers which flower continuously from late spring through to the autumn. An ideal variety for edging borders as it does not become straggly. Very attractive to cats

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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
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Grey Silver Green
Summer White Grey Silver Green
Autumn White Grey Silver Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

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

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

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

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs on new growth

Diseases

May be susceptible powdery mildews in a dry summer

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