Catmint Walkers Low Plant

Catmint Walkers Low plant is a stunning, low-maintenance perennial that produces lavender-blue flowers from spring through fall. This award-winning variety attracts pollinators, resists deer, and thrives in tough conditions with minimal care.

If you want a plant that looks gorgeous for months but asks for almost nothing in return, let me introduce you to the catmint walkers low plant. This perennial has been a garden favorite for years, and honestly, it is easy to see why. It covers itself in soft lavender-blue flowers from late spring right through fall. The gray-green foliage smells amazing when you brush past it. Bees and butterflies cannot get enough of it. Deer and rabbits? They want nothing to do with it.

I first planted catmint walkers low plant in a sunny spot by my driveway where the soil is terrible and the hose does not reach. Three years later, it is still the best-looking plant in that bed. It has survived heat waves, forgotten watering, and my own neglect. If you have a tough spot in your yard, or if you just want a reliable bloomer that does not demand your weekends, this is the one. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to grow it successfully.

Key Takeaways

• Award-winning perennial: Named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2007 for its exceptional garden performance
• Long bloom season: Produces lavender-blue flowers from late spring through early fall with proper deadheading
• Drought tolerant: Once established, requires minimal watering and thrives in dry, sunny conditions
• Pollinator magnet: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while resisting deer and rabbits
• Low maintenance: Needs little fertilizer, minimal pruning, and adapts to various soil types
• Versatile landscape use: Perfect for borders, rock gardens, containers, and mass plantings
• Easy propagation: Can be divided in spring or fall, or grown from cuttings for free plants

Quick Answers to Common Questions

How tall does catmint walkers low plant grow?

Catmint walkers low plant typically grows 24 to 30 inches tall and wide at maturity.

When does catmint walkers low plant bloom?

It blooms from late spring through early fall, with the heaviest flush in early summer and a second flush after midsummer shearing.

Is catmint walkers low plant deer resistant?

Yes, the aromatic foliage makes it highly deer and rabbit resistant.

Does catmint walkers low plant spread aggressively?

No, it is a sterile hybrid that clumps slowly and does not spread by seed or runners.

Can catmint walkers low plant grow in shade?

It tolerates light shade but blooms best and stays most compact in full sun (6+ hours).

What Makes Catmint Walkers Low Plant Special

Award-Winning Pedigree

The catmint walkers low plant earned the Perennial Plant of the Year award in 2007. That title goes to plants that perform well across many climates, resist pests and diseases, and look great with minimal fuss. This variety beat out hundreds of others for the top spot. It was discovered in Ireland in the 1970s and named after a garden called Walker’s Low. Despite the name, it is not a low-growing groundcover. It forms a mounding clump about two to three feet tall and wide.

Not Your Average Catmint

There are many types of catmint, but catmint walkers low plant stands out for a few reasons. First, it blooms longer than most. While other varieties might quit in July, this one keeps going until frost if you give it a midseason haircut. Second, it has a tidy, mounding habit that does not flop open in the center like some older varieties. Third, the flower color is a particularly lovely soft blue-lavender that pairs well with almost anything in the garden.

Catmint vs Catnip

People often confuse catmint with catnip. They are cousins, both in the Nepeta genus, but they are different plants. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the one that sends cats into a frenzy. Catmint walkers low plant (Nepeta x faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’) has much less of the compound that affects cats. Your feline friends might sniff it, but they will not destroy it. This makes it a safe choice for gardens where cats roam.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full sun is best for catmint walkers low plant. That means at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It will tolerate light shade, especially in hot southern climates, but you will get fewer flowers and the stems may stretch and flop. In my zone 6 garden, the plants in full sun bloom weeks earlier and stay more compact than the ones in part shade. If you live in zone 8 or 9, a little afternoon shade actually helps the flowers last longer.

Soil Preferences

Here is the good news: catmint walkers low plant is not picky about soil. It grows in clay, sand, loam, or rocky soil. The only dealbreaker is wet feet. It needs decent drainage. If your soil stays soggy after rain, amend it with compost and grit, or plant in a raised bed. I have seen it thrive in the terrible fill dirt around new construction. It actually prefers lean soil. Rich, fertilized soil makes it grow floppy and reduces flowering.

Water Needs

Water regularly the first season to establish a deep root system. After that, catmint walkers low plant is remarkably drought tolerant. I water mine maybe twice a summer during extended dry spells. Overwatering causes more problems than underwatering. Wet soil leads to root rot and fungal issues. If you have an irrigation system, put this plant on a separate zone from thirsty perennials.

Hardiness Zones

This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. In zone 3, it benefits from winter mulch after the ground freezes. In zones 7 and 8, it may stay semi-evergreen through mild winters. The foliage looks a bit ratty by late winter, but fresh growth emerges early in spring. I leave the dead stems in place until I see new green shoots at the base. They protect the crown from freeze-thaw cycles.

Planting Catmint Walkers Low Plant

When to Plant

Spring and fall are the best planting times. Spring planting gives the roots all season to establish before winter. Fall planting works well in zones 5 and warmer, provided you plant at least six weeks before the ground freezes. Avoid planting in the heat of summer unless you can water diligently. I prefer fall planting because the soil is warm, the air is cool, and nature handles the watering.

Spacing and Layout

Space plants 24 to 30 inches apart. Catmint walkers low plant spreads to about 30 inches wide at maturity. If you plant them too close, air circulation suffers and you invite fungal problems. For a mass planting or hedge effect, space them 18 inches apart and plan to divide sooner. For a specimen plant, give it a full three feet of elbow room.

Planting Steps

Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and just as deep. Loosen the soil at the bottom. Gently remove the plant from its container. If the roots are circling, tease them apart with your fingers. Place the plant so the crown sits at soil level. Backfill with native soil. Do not amend the planting hole with rich compost. That creates a “bathtub effect” where water collects around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting. Apply a thin layer of mulch, keeping it away from the crown.

Container Growing

Catmint walkers low plant grows beautifully in containers. Choose a pot at least 16 inches wide with drainage holes. Use a gritty, well-draining potting mix. Add perlite or coarse sand if the mix seems heavy. Container plants need more frequent watering than in-ground plants. Fertilize once in spring with a slow-release balanced fertilizer. In cold zones, move pots to an unheated garage for winter or sink them in the ground.

Seasonal Care and Maintenance

Spring Care

In early spring, cut back all the dead stems to about three inches above the ground. Do this before new growth gets tall. If you wait too long, you will snip off the new shoots. This is also the time to divide crowded clumps. Apply a thin layer of compost around the base. No heavy fertilizer needed. If you must fertilize, use a light hand with a balanced organic fertilizer.

Summer Care

The first flush of blooms arrives in late spring to early summer. When those flowers fade, usually around July, shear the whole plant back by half. This sounds drastic, but it triggers a fresh flush of growth and a second heavy bloom in late summer. Use hedge shears or large scissors. Cut into a mounded shape. Water well after shearing. The plant looks rough for a week, then bounces back better than before.

Fall Care

After the second bloom fades, you can deadhead again or leave the seed heads for winter interest. Birds eat the seeds. The foliage turns a nice golden color in fall. In cold zones, leave the stems standing through winter. They catch snow and insulate the crown. In warm zones where it stays evergreen, you can tidy up in late winter before new growth starts.

Winter Protection

In zones 3 and 4, apply a loose mulch of straw or shredded leaves after the ground freezes. Do not use heavy mulch that holds moisture against the crown. Remove the mulch gradually in spring. In zones 5 and up, no special winter care is needed. Catmint walkers low plant is tough as nails once established.

Propagation Methods

Division

Division is the easiest way to get more plants. Do it in early spring just as new growth appears, or in early fall. Dig up the entire clump. Use a sharp spade or knife to cut it into sections. Each section needs roots and several shoots. Replant immediately at the same depth. Water well. Divide every three to four years to keep plants vigorous. The center of old clumps often dies out, leaving a donut shape. Division fixes this.

Stem Cuttings

Take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. Cut four-inch pieces from non-flowering stems. Remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Stick in moist perlite or sand. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place in bright indirect light. Roots form in three to four weeks. Pot up and grow on before planting out.

Growing from Seed

Catmint walkers low plant is a sterile hybrid, so it does not produce viable seed. You cannot grow this exact variety from seed. Seeds sold as “Walker’s Low” will not come true. They will be variable seedlings. If you want more of this specific plant, you must propagate vegetatively by division or cuttings.

Design Ideas and Companion Plants

Color Combinations

The soft blue-lavender flowers of catmint walkers low plant play well with almost any color scheme. Pair it with yellow flowers like coreopsis, black-eyed susans, or yarrow for a classic complementary combo. Mix with pink coneflowers, salvia, or roses for a cottage garden look. For a cool, calm palette, combine with white shasta daisies, silver artemisia, and blue salvia. The gray-green foliage bridges warm and cool colors beautifully.

Texture Contrasts

The fine, aromatic foliage contrasts nicely with bold leaves. Plant it near hostas, bergenia, or lamb’s ear for texture play. The airy flower spikes soften rigid plants like ornamental grasses, yucca, or dwarf conifers. I love it spilling over the edge of a stone wall next to creeping thyme and sedum.

Garden Styles

This plant fits many garden styles. In a cottage garden, let it mingle freely with roses and delphiniums. In a Mediterranean garden, pair it with lavender, rosemary, and thyme. In a pollinator garden, it is a cornerstone plant. In a rock garden, dwarf varieties work well. In a modern landscape, mass it in geometric blocks for a clean, contemporary look. Catmint walkers low plant also makes a great edge plant along paths where you brush against the fragrant foliage.

Rose Companion

One classic pairing is catmint walkers low plant under roses. It hides the bare canes at the base of rose bushes. The blue flowers complement every rose color. It blooms at the same time as the first rose flush. The aromatic foliage may help deter rose pests. Plus, both plants like the same conditions: full sun, well-drained soil, not too rich.

Common Problems and Solutions

Flopping Stems

If your catmint walkers low plant flops open in the center, it usually means too much shade, too much water, too much fertilizer, or the plant needs dividing. The fix: move to more sun, cut back on water and fertilizer, shear it back hard after the first bloom, or divide in spring. The “Chelsea chop” (cutting back by half in late May) produces sturdier, more compact plants.

Powdery Mildew

In humid climates with poor air circulation, powdery mildew can appear as white dust on leaves. Prevention: space plants properly, water at the base not overhead, and ensure good airflow. If it appears, remove affected leaves. Spray with a homemade baking soda solution (1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon horticultural oil, 1 gallon water) or use a commercial fungicide labeled for ornamentals.

Root Rot

This is the main killer of catmint walkers low plant. It happens in poorly drained soil or with overwatering. Symptoms: wilting despite wet soil, yellowing leaves, black mushy roots. Prevention is the only cure. Plant in well-drained soil. Do not overwater. If you have heavy clay, plant in raised beds or amend heavily with grit.

Spider Mites

In hot, dry weather, spider mites may appear. They cause stippled, bronzed leaves and fine webbing. Blast them off with a strong jet of water from the hose. Repeat every few days. Insecticidal soap or neem oil works for severe infestations. Healthy, well-watered plants resist mites better.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance

One of the best features of catmint walkers low plant is that deer and rabbits rarely touch it. The aromatic oils in the foliage repel them. In my garden, deer eat everything else but walk right past the catmint. No plant is 100% proof, but this is as close as it gets.

Harvesting and Uses

Cut Flowers

The flower spikes make lovely cut flowers. Harvest when about half the flowers on a spike are open. Cut in the morning. Strip lower leaves. They last five to seven days in a vase. The fragrance is subtle but pleasant indoors. Mix with roses, yarrow, and grasses for a meadow-style bouquet.

Drying

To dry catmint walkers low plant, cut stems just before full bloom. Hang upside down in small bunches in a dark, dry, well-ventilated space. They dry in two to three weeks. The color fades to a soft gray-blue. Use in dried arrangements, wreaths, or potpourri.

Herbal Uses

While not as potent as catnip, the leaves of catmint walkers low plant can be used for tea. Steep a few fresh leaves in hot water for a mild, minty beverage. Some people use it as a culinary herb in salads or as a garnish. The flowers are edible and pretty on desserts. Always verify you have the correct plant and have not used pesticides.

Cat Entertainment

Even though it is not true catnip, some cats enjoy catmint walkers low plant. You can dry leaves and stuff them into cloth toys. Or let your cat discover the plant in the garden. Most cats just rub against it rather than eating it to the ground. If your cat loves it too much, cage the plant until it is large enough to withstand the attention.

Buying Guide

What to Look For

Buy catmint walkers low plant from reputable nurseries. Look for plants with healthy green-gray foliage, no yellowing or spots. Check the roots. They should be white and firm, not brown and mushy. Avoid plants that are root-bound with thick mats of circling roots. A plant in a quart or gallon pot establishes faster than a tiny plug.

Where to Buy

Local independent nurseries often carry it in spring. Big box stores sometimes have it, but quality varies. Online mail-order nurseries ship healthy plants at the right planting time for your zone. Order early for the best selection. Some specialty nurseries sell larger specimen plants for instant impact.

Price Range

Expect to pay $8 to $15 for a quart pot, $12 to $25 for a gallon. Prices vary by region and source. Mail-order adds shipping. Buying in multiples often gets a discount. Considering this plant lives for many years and can be divided, it is a great value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is catmint walkers low plant invasive?

No, catmint walkers low plant is not invasive. It is a sterile hybrid that does not set seed. It spreads slowly by clumping, not by runners or seeds. It stays where you put it. Divide it every few years to control size.

Why is my catmint not blooming?

Lack of blooms usually means too much shade, too much nitrogen fertilizer, or the plant needs dividing. Move to full sun. Stop fertilizing. Divide in spring if the center is woody and dead. Shearing after the first bloom encourages a second flush.

Can I grow catmint walkers low plant indoors?

Not long-term. It needs full sun, seasonal dormancy, and good air circulation. You can overwinter a pot in a cool, bright window, but it will not thrive as a houseplant. It is an outdoor perennial.

Does catmint walkers low plant attract bees?

Yes, absolutely. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love the nectar-rich flowers. It is one of the best pollinator plants for a long season. Plant it near vegetable gardens to boost pollination.

How big does catmint walkers low plant get?

Mature size is 24 to 30 inches tall and wide. In rich soil or part shade, it can reach 36 inches. In lean, dry soil and full sun, it stays more compact around 18 to 24 inches.

When should I cut back catmint walkers low plant?

Cut back dead stems to 3 inches in early spring before new growth. Shear by half after the first bloom fades in midsummer. Optional light trim in fall or leave for winter interest.

The catmint walkers low plant has earned its place in countless gardens for good reason. It delivers months of color, feeds pollinators, shrugs off drought, and asks for almost nothing in return. Whether you are a new gardener looking for a sure thing, or an experienced one wanting a reliable workhorse, this plant delivers. Plant it once, enjoy it for years, and share divisions with friends. That is the kind of plant that makes gardening a joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water catmint walkers low plant?

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. After that, water only during extended dry spells. Established plants are very drought tolerant and prefer dry conditions over wet soil.

When is the best time to divide catmint walkers low plant?

Divide in early spring just as new growth emerges, or in early fall at least six weeks before the ground freezes. Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and prevent center die-out.

Should I fertilize catmint walkers low plant?

No fertilizer is needed in most soils. Rich soil causes floppy growth and fewer flowers. If your soil is very poor, apply a light layer of compost in spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Why is my catmint walkers low plant flopping open in the middle?

Flopping is caused by too much shade, overwatering, over-fertilizing, or an overdue division. Shear back by half after the first bloom (the “Chelsea chop”) to promote sturdier, more compact growth.

Can I grow catmint walkers low plant in a container?

Yes, it grows well in containers at least 16 inches wide with good drainage. Use a gritty potting mix, water when the top inch of soil is dry, and fertilize once in spring. Protect pots in winter in cold zones.

Is catmint walkers low plant the same as catnip?

No, they are different species. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) strongly attracts cats. Catmint walkers low plant (Nepeta x faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’) has much less effect on cats and is grown for its ornamental flowers and foliage.