Catmint Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's Low'

Walker’s Low catmint is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It originated in west Asia and is a hybrid plant, the result of a cross between Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. It was first cultivated by Faassen Nurseries in the Netherlands and named for a garden called Walker’s Low.

Walker’s Low catmint thrives in full sun and dry, even rocky, soil. If planted in the south, it may do better with some afternoon shade and may be bothered by humidity. In ideal conditions, it may grow as high as 2 feet with a spread of 18 to 36 inches. This plant can be divided in the spring and will not take over a garden bed, unlike most plants in the mint family.

This plant is generally care free, but cutting back spent blossoms will ensure beautiful lavender-blue color from spring through fall. Mass or naturalized plantings are eye-catching.  

Fragrant silvery leaves, especially when crushed, make this plant appealing. As the 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year, it is also resistant to damage from deer, and cats are less attracted to it than to catnip, despite the name. However, Walker’s Low catmint is a pollinator magnet.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Nepeta x faassenii.