Nepeta 'Walker's Low' – Planting & Care Guide

About Nepeta 'Walker's Low'

Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low', commonly known as Catmint, is a hardy, long-flowering perennial valued for its masses of lavender-blue flowers and aromatic, soft grey-green foliage. Despite the name 'Walker's Low', it is not an especially dwarf variety—the name refers to the garden where it originated.

From late spring through summer, upright flower spikes create a soft haze of blue-purple above the foliage. If trimmed after the first flush, plants will usually produce a second display later in the season. The nectar-rich flowers are particularly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.

Growing approximately 60–90cm tall when flowering with a spread of 60–90cm, it develops into a broad, relaxed mound that works particularly well along paths, at the front of large borders and around roses.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun for the strongest growth and most abundant flowering.
• Will tolerate light partial shade.
• Prefers well-drained soil and performs particularly well in moderately fertile ground.
• Suitable for loam, sandy and free-draining clay soils.
• Improve heavy, wet soils with organic matter and horticultural grit.
• Dig a planting hole approximately twice the width of the root ball.
• Plant at the same depth as it was growing in its container.
• Backfill, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Avoid excessively rich soil, which can encourage soft, floppy growth.
• Space plants approximately 60–75cm apart.

Care & Maintenance

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is exceptionally easy to grow once established.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, it is very drought tolerant.
• Water during prolonged dry spells, particularly for recently planted specimens.
• Little feeding is required.
• A light application of balanced fertiliser in spring is sufficient on poor soils.
• Avoid excessive fertiliser, which can produce lush foliage and weaker stems.
• Container-grown plants require more regular watering.

Pruning

Cutting back is the key to maintaining a compact plant and encouraging repeat flowering.

• Deadhead individual flower stems if desired.
• After the main flowering display, cut the plant back by approximately one-third to one-half.
• Fresh foliage and a second flush of flowers will usually follow.
• Cut remaining old growth back in late winter or early spring.
• Divide large or congested plants every 3–4 years if necessary.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low'
• Common Name: Catmint
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Height: Approximately 60–90cm
• Spread: Approximately 60–90cm
• Flower Colour: Lavender-blue to violet-blue
• Flowering Period: May to September
• Foliage: Aromatic grey-green
• Position: Full sun to light partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Hardiness: Fully hardy and very well suited to Irish gardens

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is an excellent choice for informal, wildlife-friendly and low-maintenance planting.

• Mixed perennial borders
• Cottage gardens
• Rose gardens
• Path and border edging
• Gravel gardens
• Pollinator-friendly gardens
• Coastal gardens
• Wildlife gardens
• Informal ground cover
• Large patio containers

It combines beautifully with Roses, Salvia, Lavender, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Verbena bonariensis, Achillea, Alliums and ornamental grasses.

Seasonal Interest

• Aromatic grey-green foliage emerges during spring.
• Masses of lavender-blue flowers appear from late spring.
• Cutting back after the first flush encourages repeat flowering.
• Flowers are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinating insects.
• The soft foliage and relaxed habit provide excellent texture throughout the growing season.

Common Problems

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is generally exceptionally healthy and trouble-free.

• Plants can become floppy when grown in excessively fertile soil or too much shade.
• Poor drainage and prolonged winter wet can cause root problems.
• Older plants may become open in the centre and benefit from division.
• Slugs and snails usually cause little significant damage.
• Cats may occasionally roll on or flatten young plants because of the aromatic foliage.
• Cutting plants back after the first flowering helps maintain a dense, tidy shape.

With its masses of lavender-blue flowers, aromatic foliage, exceptional drought tolerance and outstanding value to pollinators, Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is one of the most reliable perennials for Irish gardens. Its long flowering season and ability to blend effortlessly with roses and other summer perennials make it particularly valuable for borders and wildlife-friendly planting.

• Size
  2L

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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