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Herbaceous Perennial

Nepeta cataria 'Citriodora'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

lemon catmint

An herbaceous perennial to around 1m tall with branched stems bearing lemon-scented, greyish-green, scallop-edged leaves. Small purple-spotted white flowers are borne in dense, terminal spikes from summer into autumn

Synonyms
Nepeta cataria subsp. citriodora
Nepeta citriodora Dum.
see moreNepeta cataria var. citriodora

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Purple White Green Grey Silver
Autumn Purple White Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
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

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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Trim after flowering to keep plants compact

Pests

May be damaged by slugs and snails

Diseases

May be affected by powdery mildews in dry summers

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