Nepeta is a resilient, drought tolerant summer perennial which does best in warm and sunny locations, so will thrive in a south or west facing spot. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, as long as drainage is good. Although it is an unfussy plant with good drought tolerance once established, for best results it will need potting up and growing on until it’s grown a strong root system before planting into more challenging conditions. Nepeta attracts pollinators of all types, making it a great choice for wildlife gardens.

How to plant

• Plant Nepeta bare roots in spring between February and May, ideally within a week of delivery.
  
• Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. Pot into temporary 2 litre (or 15-20cm diameter) pots, using a good quality multi-purpose compost.
  
• Plant with the roots submerged and with the top of the root system with buds just level with the soil surface. Any shoots or leaves which have emerged already should be left exposed above the soil surface.
  
• Grow them on in a sheltered area outside. They can be transplanted into suitable growing positions after 2-4 months or once growth is established and the plants easily come out of the temporary pots with the soil held together by the roots.
  
• When planting into the garden, choose a sunny position with free-draining soil. Ensure the area is dug over and cleared of weeds first.
  
• Keep space clear around the young plant and ensure neighbouring plants or weeds are not overcrowding it.
  
• Nepeta is hardy to around -15C and does not require winter protection in most areas.
  
• Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth, particularly during the first year.

Aftercare

• New growth emerges within around a month of planting. New leaves appear every spring, followed by flowers in summer. They may not flower in the first year.
  
• Deadhead flowers when needed to encourage a second flush later in the season.
  
• Nepeta dies back in autumn, at which point you can cut all leaves and stems back to around 3cm above soil level. The silver-grey leaves at the base of the plant usually remain through winter and new stems and foliage emerge from the base the following spring.
  
• Nepeta is a clump-forming perennial and over time the root system will increase in size and the plant will also grow larger each year. When needed, you can divide clumps in autumn.
  
• Nepeta should be planted at a spacing of at around 20cm between plants if planting in groups and typically take 1-2 years to establish.