By Rosierose
United Kingdom 
Is Nepeta evergreen...?
The RHS says it's deciduous, but other sources say it's evergreen. I've grown Nepeta in the past, several decades ago when living in the East of England, and I have to say I don't remember it being evergreen.
I ask, as I'm looking for a reliable and evergreen alternative to lavender. (After replacing my lavender path-edging twice, I'm throwing in the towel. Even though I've worked my heavy, clay soil to make it more lavender-friendly, I've had to concede that it's just too wet here in Wales.)
19 Aug, 2016
Answers
In milder climates, Nepeta faasenii can be evergreen, but probably not in the UK.
19 Aug, 2016
I'm after something that doesn't get too large, and N. faasenii or N. 'Cat's meow' would fit the bill, but only if they're evergreen, and that doesn't see to be the case, sadly.
Probably not worth risking it, so if anyone has any other suggestions for plants which could replace my unhappy lavenders, that would be great. I'm considering Prostanthera cuneata, but I'd ideally like something with blue or purple flowers rather than white.
19 Aug, 2016
Prostanthera is not that hardy either.
Hyssop is evergreen in mild areas.
19 Aug, 2016
what about Parahebe? I have seen it used as a low border/hedge. it is evergreen and easy to trim and produces purple flowers [white ones are available]
19 Aug, 2016
Just looked up Cat's meow - isn't it lovely? Gone onto my wish list! Thank you.
Rosie I think you would find the Prosanthera got a bit too big for a front of border plant - mine did anyway, before it turned its toes up...
What about Heliantheums, the Ben series which have better leaves than the others and a neater less straggly habit.
19 Aug, 2016
Thanks so much, everyone, for your great suggestions. Off to check them all out. :D
19 Aug, 2016
There may be evergreen ones, it is a big genus, bit all the ones I grow are deciduous.
19 Aug, 2016