Walker’s Low Catmint
Long Blooming Bliss
A Guide to Cultivating the Ultimate Low-Maintenance Perennial
Walker's Low catmint (Nepeta x faassenii' Walker's Low') is a popular perennial plant belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Contrary to what the name suggests, “Walker's Low” actually refers to the Irish garden where it was discovered in the 1970s, rather than indicating its size; it can actually grow up to 30 inches tall! This catmint variety gained widespread popularity for its long season of bloom and low-maintenance requirements, and was honored as the 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association, further solidifying its reputation as a garden favorite.
Walker's Low catmint grows in zones 4-8 and has striking grayish-green foliage, which forms a dense mound and adds texture and color to the garden landscape. The leaves are small and aromatic, typical of plants within the mint family. However, it's the whorled clusters of lavender purple flowers that truly steal the show. These blooms rise above the foliage on slender stems, creating a captivating display of color and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Catmint has the added bonus of being rabbit and deer resistant. According to Rutgers University’s list of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance, catmint is “rarely damaged by deer”.
Gardeners appreciate Walker's Low catmint for its low-maintenance nature and its ability to thrive in various growing conditions including clay soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can adapt to both sunny and partially shaded areas. Additionally, its long blooming period, typically from late spring to early fall, ensures months of continuous beauty in the garden. Whether used as a border plant, ground cover, or in mixed perennial beds, Walker's Low catmint adds charm and elegance to any landscape. Read on to learn how to plant and grow Walker’s Low catmint, and discover ideas and inspiration for landscaping with catmint, including planting companions.
How to Plant and Grow Walker’s Low Catmint
Location: Walker’s Low catmint prefers full sun (some afternoon shade is okay) and sandy or loamy, well-draining soil. It will tolerate most soil types, including clay. Catmint will not tolerate wet, soggy, poorly draining soil and will develop root rot. If you are looking for a flowering perennial for a sunny, wet location, try swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) instead.
Planting: Plant Walker’s Low catmint in the spring or fall; space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.
Watering: Water newly planted catmint regularly to help establish the roots. Once established, catmint is drought-tolerant (for watering guidance, see “How to Water Your Plants”).
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around catmint to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizer: Catmint does not require supplemental fertilization. A thin layer of compost (either homemade or store-bought) applied in the early spring will enrich the soil structure, improve drainage and support plant health.
Pruning: After the first flush of spring flowers, use sharp pruning shears to cut back the entire plant by about one-third to promote reblooming and bushier growth.
Pests and Diseases: Catmint is relatively resistant to pests and diseases; aphids or spider mites can cause occasional problems. Overwatering and wet, soggy soils are the most frequent causes of problems with catmint, causing plants to develop root rot.
Do You Cut Back Walker’s Low Catmint?
Yes - cutting back, pruning, deadheading, and dividing Walker's Low catmint can help maintain the plant’s vigor and appearance. Walker’s Low Catmint is not an evergreen plant; it is deciduous, and can benefit from being cut back and deadheaded during the growing season to keep a tidy appearance.
Cutting Back/Pruning: When the first flush of spring flowers begin to fade, give catmint a light shearing or pruning and cut back the entire plant by about one-third. This will stimulate new growth and encourage a second round of blooming.
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers by deadheading. This process involves cutting or pinching off the faded blooms. Deadheading prevents the plant from setting seed, redirecting its energy toward producing new flowers.
Dividing: Every few years, consider dividing mature catmint plants. This helps to rejuvenate the plant, preventing the center of the plant from become woody and promoting increased flowering. Divide the plant in early spring or fall.
Landscape Design Ideas for Catmint
Mass Planting: Plant Walker's Low catmint in mass groupings to create a striking visual impact. Its lavender flowers and grayish-green foliage will provide a beautiful carpet of color and texture.
Border Planting: Use Walker's Low catmint in the front of the garden border to create a soft, textured edge. Pair it with complementary plants such as ornamental grasses, salvias, or yarrows for a dynamic and diverse garden display.
Sunny Slope or Rock Garden: The mounding, clumping habit and drought tolerance of Walker’s Low catmint make it well-suited for the dry, rocky conditions of a slope or rock garden.
Container Garden: Catmint grows easily in well-draining containers or pots. The purple flowers combine effortlessly with other sun-loving annuals and perennials, creating colorful arrangements for patios, balconies and entryways.
Pollinator Garden: Create a pollinator-friendly garden by incorporating Walker's Low catmint alongside other nectar-rich plants. Its lavender flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
Driveway or Walkway Planting: Line the hot, dry areas next to walkways, sidewalks or driveways with Walker's Low catmint. Once established, catmint can handle the heat reflected off these surfaces, as well as soften the hardscaped edges.
Cottagecore Aesthetic: Include Walker's Low catmint in cottagecore garden designs for a charming and romantic touch. Its informal growth habit and profusion of flowers complement the relaxed and whimsical style of cottage gardens.
Planting Companions for Catmint
Rose: Walker’s Low catmint is the classic, iconic companion planting for roses. It looks particularly nice with pink cultivars, like Pink Knock Out®.
Green Mountain Boxwood ( Buxus ‘Green Mountain’.): The small evergreen leaves of boxwoods provide a nice backdrop for the purple flowers and silvery-green foliage of Walker’s Low catmint.
Oak Leaf™ Holly (Ilex conaf): This elegant, pyramidal evergreen holly contrasts nicely with the mounded clumps of Walker’s Low catmint.
Little Lime Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’ Little Lime®): Plant a row of Walker’s Low catmint in front of this small hydrangea, a reliable summer-blooming shrub with lime-green to white flowers.
Variegated Liriope (Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’): Create a low-maintenance planting by pairing lime green, grass-like variegated liriope with Walker’s Low catmint (pictured below).
White Swan Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’): This summer-flowering perennial with large white flowers looks great when sited next to or behind catmint.
Walker’s Low Catmint and Variegated Liriope
Is Walker’s Low Catmint Invasive?
Walker's Low catmint is not invasive. It is a sterile cultivar; it will not spread uncontrollably throughout the garden because it is unable to produce seeds. Walker’s Low does not self-seed or spread without deliberate division. The USDA does not currently consider catmint to be an invasive species (visit the USDA’s Database of Invasive and Noxious Plants).
Walker’s Low catmint does have a spreading habit and grows fairly quickly, especially when planted in full sun and dry, rocky soil. This vigorous habit should not be confused with being classified as an invasive plant.
Is Walker’s Low Catmint Safe for Cats?
Yes, Walker’s Low catmint is safe for cats. Catmint is closely related to catnip, belonging to the same Nepeta genus, and shares similar characteristics like flower size, flower shape, and aromatic foliage. Some cats may be attracted to catmint and exhibit behaviors such as rubbing against the plant, sitting on it, or chewing on the leaves. Though it is not harmful to cats when ingested, it's a good idea to monitor your cat's behavior around Walker's Low catmint to ensure they don't consume large quantities, which could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort. If your cat appears sick or you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, seek immediate veterinary care or contact the Pet Poison Hotline.
Looking for cat-safe indoor plants? Read “Does your cat eat your houseplants?”.