Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’

‘Six Hills Giant’ is the classic large-scale catmint. Clouds of lavender-blue flowers cover the plant through summer, held on long arching stems over a mound of aromatic grey-green foliage. The foliage releases a strong lemony scent when brushed.

It’s a substantial plant. Stems reach 60 to 90cm, but the arching habit brings the overall height to around 45 to 60cm. Spreads to about 90cm wide over time.

Full sun in any reasonable, well-drained soil. After the first big flush, shear the whole plant back by half — it rebounds within a few weeks with a fresh round of flowers. RHS Award of Garden Merit. Bees, naturally, can’t stay away.