Nepeta tuberosa (Catmint )

Botanical name

Nepeta tuberosa

Other names

Catmint , Nepeta gienensis, Nepeta hirsuta, Nepeta lanata, Nepeta lupulina, Glechoma tuberosa

Genus

Nepeta Nepeta

Species

N. tuberosa - N. tuberosa is a clump-forming, deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial with upright stems bearing lance-shaped, scalloped, woolly, grey-green leaves and, in summer, dense spikes of tiny, whorled, purple flowers with reddish-purple calyces.

Native to

Mediterranean

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

The leaves have a sweet fragrance when crushed.

Habit

Clump-forming, Upright

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Colour

Flower

Purple in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Slugs

Specific diseases

Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to maintain a compact shape and to encourage a second flowering. Looks best when kept at 60cm (2') tall.

Propagation methods

Stem tip cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Nepeta tuberosa (Catmint ) will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, City, Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Gravel, Rock, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates partial shade and drought. Generally evergreen or semi-evergreen but may be deciduous in extreme cold or drought. Fleshy roots resemble Dahlia tubers.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Nepeta tuberosa (Catmint )

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/