The herb is thought to have been first cultivated in the Roman town of Nepeti (otherwise known as Nepeta) where it was used as a herbal tea and insect repellent. Today it has some excellent culinary uses, especially when used in seasonal salads.

• Deciduous perennial
• Fully hardy
• Flowers: June - September
• Low maintenance
• Relatively disease and pest free

• Any moist, well-drained soil
• South or West facing
• Full sun or partial shade
• Exposed or sheltered

• Grown in peat free compost in a biodegradable pot made from waste coir and natural latex. Pop the discarded coir pot in the green bin, leave out for birds to use for nesting, use as mulch or add to compost heap.
• Cut back after flowering has finished to keep the plant compact.