Plant Guide

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Nepeta racemosa 'Walkers Low'

Common Name

Catmint
CA Native

Non-native
Plant Type

Perennial
Size

1' x 1'
Flower Color

Lavender-Blue
Bloom Time
- Fall
- Spring
- Spring through Fall
Leaves

Narrow, Grayish-Green Leaves with Toothed Edges
Evergreen

Evergreen
Deer Resistant

Rarely Damaged
Wildlife Value
- Attracts Beneficial Insects
- Bees
- Butterfly & Other Insect Nectar
Growth Rate

Fast
Hardiness

Hardy
Adverse Growth Factors

Invasive
Special Features
- Erosion Control
- Fragrance
- Low Maintenance
- Showy Flowers
Water Use
- Drought Tolerant
- Low
Soil pH

5.5-6.4 (acid)
Exposure
- Full Sun
Soil Type

Not Particular
Drainage

Well Drained
Description and Cultural Plant Tips

'Walkers Low' is a lovely compact mounding catmint. It was named "Plant of the Year" in 2007 by the Perennial Plant Association. It has aromatic, silvery green foliage and an impressive, long-lasting display of lavender-blue flowers throughout the summer. This catmint can be used in the front of flower borders or rock gardens as well as a ground cover. Flowers are fragrant and can be attractive to cats. Plant in front of Achillea 'Moonshine', coneflowers or daylilies for a longlasting color display.

Catmint is adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils. Plant slightly above soil grade. It is tolerant of a wide range of pH's and soil types but performs best with a pH between 6.0 and 6.6. It is also very drought tolerant and does best in full sun.

Attracts bees, native bees and butterflies.

This plant has no serious pest or disease problems. In poorly drained soils, crown rot can be a problem.
Master Gardener Comments

I use this plant as a border in my perennial garden. It looks lovely in front of CA. fushias, yellow daylilies or pink Echinacea. I have 2 cats, one is always lounging in front of its favorite catmint plant and the other ignores them.
Varietals

N. racemosa 'Little Titch' - blue flowers, 8" - 10" x 15"