Nepeta

Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil in full sun. Nepeta thrives in poor to moderate soil and produces lax, floppy growth in rich conditions. Space plants 45 cm apart. Water sparingly once established — catmint is highly drought tolerant. Avoid heavy feeding. The plant produces its first flush of flowers in late May, and cutting back hard after this flush triggers a strong second display by midsummer. A third, lighter flush often follows in early autumn. In colder parts of the UK, protect the crown with a gravel mulch over winter. Nepeta is particularly effective planted in long drifts along path edges or at the front of borders.

Cut the entire plant back to 10 cm above ground level after the first main flowering flush to stimulate fresh growth and repeat blooms. Repeat after the second flush if desired. In late autumn, cut back remaining growth to near ground level. The semi-evergreen basal foliage provides some winter cover.