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Herbaceous Perennial

Nepeta racemosa 'Senior'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

catmint 'Senior'

'Senior' is a compact, bushy perennial to around 30cm tall with aromatic grey-green foliage and short spikes of tubular, blue-purple flowers borne from summer into early autumn

Synonyms
Nepeta × faassenii 'Senior'
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 Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Summer Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–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

Accepted

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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • 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

Slugs may damage young growth

Diseases

May be subject to powdery mildews in a dry summer

Get involved

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