Nepeta 'Early Bird'
catmint 'Early Bird'
An early-flowering, low-growing, clump-forming deciduous herbaceous perennial with aromatic grey-green foliage and upright stems which produce lavender-blue flowers from late spring throughout the summer. An attractive plant to cats
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue Purple | Grey Silver Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue Purple | Grey Silver Green | ||
Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Trim after flowering to keep plants compact
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews 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.