Nepeta 'Walker's Low', commonly known as catmint, is a beloved perennial in the gardening world. Its combination of hardiness, beauty, and versatility makes it a standout choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here's a closer look at why this plant deserves a spot in your garden.
Nepeta Walker's Low was the 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year.
Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is a robust and attractive perennial that grows in a bushy clump. It typically reaches a height of 24 to 36 inches and spreads about 18 to 30 inches wide. The plant boasts aromatic, grey-green foliage that adds a soft texture to the garden. Its most striking feature, however, is its abundant blooms. From late spring to early fall, Nepeta 'Walker's Low' produces a profusion of lavender-blue flowers. These tubular flowers are not only beautiful but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
The versatility of Nepeta 'Walker's Low' makes it a valuable addition to any landscape. Here are some of the reasons why gardeners love it:
Long Bloom Time: One of the most appealing aspects of Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is its extended blooming period. This plant provides color and interest for much of the growing season, making it a reliable performer in the garden.
Drought Tolerance: Once established, Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is highly drought-tolerant. This makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or for areas with water restrictions.
Low Maintenance: This plant is remarkably low maintenance. It requires minimal care, thrives in poor soils, and is generally free from serious pest and disease problems.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Gardeners plagued by deer and rabbits will appreciate that Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is usually left untouched by these pests due to its aromatic foliage.
Ground Cover and Edging: Its sprawling habit makes it ideal for use as a ground cover or for edging pathways and borders. It can soften the edges of hardscapes and blend beautifully with other perennials.
Companion Planting: Nepeta 'Walker's Low' pairs well with a variety of other plants. Its cool-toned flowers complement roses, daylilies, and other warm-toned bloomers, creating stunning garden combinations.
Cat Attraction: Like other members of the Nepeta genus, 'Walker's Low' is known to attract cats. The leaves contain nepetalactone, a compound that induces a euphoric reaction in many cats. However, 'Walker's Low' tends to be less appealing to felines than some other catmint varieties, so it's less likely to be ravaged by neighborhood cats.
Award-Winning Plant: Nepeta 'Walker's Low' has earned several accolades, including the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. This award highlights its exceptional qualities as a garden plant.
Name Origin: Despite its name, 'Walker's Low' is not particularly low-growing. The name actually derives from the garden in Ireland where this cultivar was discovered, rather than its growth habit.
Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is a stellar addition to any garden. Its beautiful blooms, easy care, and numerous landscape uses make it a favorite among gardeners. Whether you're looking to attract pollinators, create stunning plant combinations, or simply enjoy a low-maintenance perennial, Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is a plant that delivers on all fronts. Consider adding this versatile and charming perennial to your garden, and enjoy its many benefits season after season.
Other Plants You May Be Interested In:
About RightPlantz - RightPlantz is your go-to source for all things gardening. RightPlantz grows better gardeners.
Nepeta 'Walker's Low', commonly known as catmint, is a beloved perennial in the gardening world. Its combination of hardiness, beauty, and versatility makes it a standout choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here's a closer look at why this plant deserves a spot in your garden.
Nepeta Walker's Low was the 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year.
Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is a robust and attractive perennial that grows in a bushy clump. It typically reaches a height of 24 to 36 inches and spreads about 18 to 30 inches wide. The plant boasts aromatic, grey-green foliage that adds a soft texture to the garden. Its most striking feature, however, is its abundant blooms. From late spring to early fall, Nepeta 'Walker's Low' produces a profusion of lavender-blue flowers. These tubular flowers are not only beautiful but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
The versatility of Nepeta 'Walker's Low' makes it a valuable addition to any landscape. Here are some of the reasons why gardeners love it:
Long Bloom Time: One of the most appealing aspects of Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is its extended blooming period. This plant provides color and interest for much of the growing season, making it a reliable performer in the garden.
Drought Tolerance: Once established, Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is highly drought-tolerant. This makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or for areas with water restrictions.
Low Maintenance: This plant is remarkably low maintenance. It requires minimal care, thrives in poor soils, and is generally free from serious pest and disease problems.
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Gardeners plagued by deer and rabbits will appreciate that Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is usually left untouched by these pests due to its aromatic foliage.
Ground Cover and Edging: Its sprawling habit makes it ideal for use as a ground cover or for edging pathways and borders. It can soften the edges of hardscapes and blend beautifully with other perennials.
Companion Planting: Nepeta 'Walker's Low' pairs well with a variety of other plants. Its cool-toned flowers complement roses, daylilies, and other warm-toned bloomers, creating stunning garden combinations.
Cat Attraction: Like other members of the Nepeta genus, 'Walker's Low' is known to attract cats. The leaves contain nepetalactone, a compound that induces a euphoric reaction in many cats. However, 'Walker's Low' tends to be less appealing to felines than some other catmint varieties, so it's less likely to be ravaged by neighborhood cats.
Award-Winning Plant: Nepeta 'Walker's Low' has earned several accolades, including the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. This award highlights its exceptional qualities as a garden plant.
Name Origin: Despite its name, 'Walker's Low' is not particularly low-growing. The name actually derives from the garden in Ireland where this cultivar was discovered, rather than its growth habit.
Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is a stellar addition to any garden. Its beautiful blooms, easy care, and numerous landscape uses make it a favorite among gardeners. Whether you're looking to attract pollinators, create stunning plant combinations, or simply enjoy a low-maintenance perennial, Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is a plant that delivers on all fronts. Consider adding this versatile and charming perennial to your garden, and enjoy its many benefits season after season.
Other Plants You May Be Interested In:
About RightPlantz - RightPlantz is your go-to source for all things gardening. RightPlantz grows better gardeners.
Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is known for being a low-maintenance and resilient plant, but there are a few care tips to ensure it thrives in your garden:
Planting
Watering
Pruning and Deadheading
Fertilizing
Pest and Disease Control
Additional Tips
