Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’

Nepeta faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’

Characteristics

Culture

Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’ is easily grown well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Thrives in average, rocky, well-drained soil with good air circulation. Benefits from afternoon shade in hot summer areas. Water deeply, regularly during first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, reduce frequency; tolerates moderate drought. Remove spent flowers to promote continued bloom.

A remarkably low-maintenance plant, this excellent performer is highly versatile and can be used in many situations: in the front of the perennial border, in rock gardens or in naturalistic plantings. It is also great for edging beds or paths and even as a ground cover.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Walker’s Low catmint is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It originated in west Asia and is a hybrid plant, the result of a cross between Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. It was first cultivated by Faassen Nurseries in the Netherlands and named for a garden called Walker’s Low. Sensational periwinkle blue flower spikes adorn the fragrant, compact mound of finely textured, gray-green foliage with hairy, ovate leaves.  Lovely when cascading off walls or container edges. Use to create a showy, waterwise, small-scale groundcover, or as a lovely rock garden accent. Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’ attracts hummingbirds and butterflies but is ignored by deer and rabbits.

Nepeta cataria is the true catnip which drives house cats ecstatic.  The leaves of Walker’s Low Catmint, while not quite as enticing, are also attractive to cats.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Rock gardens, border fronts, herb gardens or naturalized plantings. Also good plant for edging or small scale ground cover.