Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Short-stalked catmint, Nepeta subsessilis, has a more compact, upright habit than many catmints, and the flowers are much larger. Native to damp areas of Japan it’s also more tolerant of moisture than other species.
It bears large blue blooms on square stems, above aromatic, toothed foliage. It’s extremely attractive to bees and other insects, and makes an excellent cut flower. Like many catmints, Nepeta subsessilis may prove appealing to cats, though if they eat an excessive amount of the foliage it can give them an upset stomach.
Grow Nepeta subsessilis in sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. Grow it at the front of a mixed border, in pots or as part of an informal, low-growing hedge. Prune back after flowering to promote bushy growth, and divide congested clumps in spring.
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Divide
yes
yes
yes
Nepeta and wildlife
Nepeta is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers and makes a good wildlife hedge.
