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Plant Profiles / Catmint 'Walker's Low'
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Catmint 'Walker's Low'
Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low' · Catmint
A soft, aromatic perennial with grey-green leaves and lavender-blue flowers from late spring to autumn. Tough, long-flowering and loved by bees.
Full sunLight
Weekly, drought tolerantWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Full sun for the most flowers; tolerates light shade.
Water
Weekly, drought tolerant
DryWet
Water while establishing; then only in dry spells.
Humidity
Low to average
LowHigh
Prefers good airflow.
Temperature
Hardy, -35–35°C (-31–95°F)
CoolWarm
Very cold and heat tolerant.
Growth
Fast, mounding
SlowFast
Grows 60–80 cm tall and 90 cm wide.
Soil
Average, well-drained
LeanRich
Tolerates poor and dry soils.
Fertiliser
Rarely
RarelyOften
No fertiliser needed.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic. Cats may roll in it, though it's milder than true catnip.
About this plant
'Walker's Low' was Perennial Plant of the Year in 2007. Despite its name, it grows into a generous mound. It's a great alternative to lavender in heavy or less-drained soils, and it reblooms if you shear it after the first flush.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, path edges, under roses, cottage and pollinator gardens.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low' |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Origin | Garden hybrid (Caucasus parents) |
| Plant type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Mature size | 60–80 cm tall, 90 cm wide |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Foliage | Aromatic grey-green leaves |
| Flowers | Lavender-blue spikes |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Division or cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Flowering
Shear back
Cut back
Active growthFloweringShear backCut back
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Floppy, open centre | Shear back by half after the first flush. |
| Few flowers | Too much shade. |
| Rotting crown | Wet soil. |
| Cats flattening it | They like it; place a few sticks in the clump. |
| Powdery leaves | Mildew in humid weather. |
Common questions
Is it the same as catnip?
It's related. Cats may enjoy it, but it's milder than true catnip.
How do I get a second flush?
Shear the plant back by half after the first flowering.
Does it self-seed?
'Walker's Low' rarely self-seeds.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, in a sunny spot.
