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Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low' (Catmint)

Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

(Based on 11 user reviews)

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low' NEP-eh-tah ex fah-SEEN-ee-eye

Common Name: Catmint Genus: Nepeta

This mound of lavender-blue flowers and aromatic, grayish green leaves up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide is great as edging or in a border, herb, or rock garden. It is an easy to grow, prolific bloomer that seems to be deer resistant. It blooms the whole summer and tolerates some shade. It also looks great with roses or on walls.
Noteworthy characteristics: Lavender-blue flowers; aromatic foliage. Attracts bees and butterflies.
Care: Adaptable to most any well-drained soil in full sun. Trim after flowering.
Propagation: Start seed in a seedbed or cold frame in autumn. Divide in spring or autumn, or take softwood cuttings in early summer.
Problems: Trouble-free.

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Height	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit	Clumps
Growth Pace	Moderate Grower
Light	Full Sun Only
Moisture	Medium Moisture
Maintenance	Low
Tolerance	Deer Tolerant
Characteristics	Attracts Butterflies; Attracts Hummingbirds; Fragrant Foliage; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time	Early Fall; Early Summer; Late Summer; Summer
Foliage Color	Silver/Grey
Flower Color	Blue Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses	Beds and Borders
Style	Cottage Garden, Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest	Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type	Perennials

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posted by mojocat
6/6/2011
Region: Upper Plains
Zone: 9

I live on acreage @ 1,000 feet elevation outside Sacramento and the word "deer" is included in my street name....they were KIDDING! They seem to clobber most everything that I've planted, but they've barely touched the catmint I planted last summer. THIS year, both plants are almost five feet across and include two or three dozen bloom spikes between them. I've ordered more catmint online of a slightly different sub-species and am trying to start some from cuttings. I give this a 10 out of TEN!

posted by meandmymoles
5/8/2010
Region: Midwest
Zone: 5

This catmint grows extremely well in my sandy soil. It never gets water after it's established, and survives drought quite well. It is one of the first perennials to bloom in the spring, which makes it nice for early-emerging bees. Many catalogs describe it as non-reseeding, but it does reseed, although not to the point of being invasive. The seedlings are easily moved if you want more plants, and they grow quickly and bloom profusely.

posted by cedarhedge
5/3/2010
Region: Pacific Northwest
Zone: 4

I live in Canada -zone 4 and find "Walkers Low" nepeta to be a most dependable plant--easy care(needs no special handling)long lasting blooms;easily grows into a large clump.

posted by prairiehen
6/26/2008
Region: Upper Plains
Zone: 3

Great plant. Many seedlings have grown around the plant. Very easily transplanted into pots. My one year old plant has a great show of flowers. It has morning sun only.

posted by ashley12
4/17/2008
Region: Northeast
Zone: 5

Absolutely love this plant. Grows in dry soil. Have had it for years and last year was the first time it decided to seed itself around the garden.

posted by plotdot1
4/1/2008
Region: Midwest
Zone: 5

I've had this plant in my bed for 14 years, and it never fails to stun, and stay stunning throughout the growing season. A great plant!

posted by gardendawgs
3/31/2008
Region: Pacific Northwest
Zone: 7

Walker's Low Catmint is a must for my garden! Easy care and lovingly rewarding, this plant thrills my heart! I'm using it at the entrance to my new raised bed vegetable garden where it will be planted at the base of two cast iron urns. The wonderful blue flowers are magnets for butterflies and I have the added joy of adoring its scent. It loves sun which is a necessity for using in my vegetable area ~ overall, one of my very favorite plants!

posted by McGigs
3/29/2008
Region: Midwest
Zone: 5

I work in the perennial department of a Chicago garden center. I suggest this plant to newbie gardeners who are intimidated by gardening and have lots of sun. This is a no-brainer plant that thrives anywhere sunny. If sheered after blooms fade, it reblooms successfully. The city of Chicago uses "Walker's Low" in many of the planters that line the centers of many busy streets. It looks terrific all summer.

posted by anythinggrows
3/28/2008
Region: Midwest
Zone: 6

Low soft blue-grey mounds bloom from spring/late fall if trimmed back occasionally. Never lost one due to our fickle springs.

posted by MontanaRaven
3/27/2008
Region: Mountain West
Zone: 4

Nepeta Walker's Low is one of my top 5 plants I use in my planting designs out here in Montana. The deer don't seem to like it as much as some of the less pungent plants. It blooms for such a long time, is easy to sheer back for a second smaller flush of bloom and I love it as a groundcover in sunny, hot mixed borders. Besides, the bees and butterflies love it too. The only drawback is if you have a cat, he/she might make a nest in the middle of the Nepeta. Oh well

posted by Robinlee
3/27/2008
Region: Midwest
Zone: 4

Grows in a very sandy soil here and does not get watered in summer yet still puts out a long period of bloom. I've grown it in full sun, half day sun and full shade. Not invasive here.

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