Nepeta raphanorrhiza
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Nepeta raphanorrhiza is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. The seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Locally common on open dry slopes, 1700 - 2000 metres in Kashmir.
E. Asia - W. Himalayas from Afghanistan to Kashmir.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root - cooked. An almond flavour.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Easily grown in a well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants are bushier when grown in fertile soils. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. A good bee plant.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in the autumn. The germination of spring sown seed can be erratic, it is best sown in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. If you have sufficient freshly ripe seed then it is well worth trying a sowing outdoors in situ in the autumn. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, large divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Basal cuttings in late spring or early summer. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist