Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low'
Walker's Low catmint
Caucasus, northern Iran, southwestern Asia (parent species); cultivar of UK originOverview
A mounding, aromatic perennial in the family Lamiaceae, a cultivar of Nepeta racemosa native to the Caucasus, Iran, and adjacent regions of southwestern Asia. 'Walker's Low' forms relaxed, billowing mounds 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall and 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) wide (not low, despite the name — named after a garden in Northern Ireland) of small, oval to heart-shaped, softly gray-green, finely toothed leaves on square stems. From late spring onward, the mound is blanketed in slender, branching spikes of small, tubular, two-lipped flowers 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) long in soft lavender-blue, providing 8–12 weeks of near-continuous bloom from late May through August. Cutting back hard after the first flush stimulates a vigorous second flush in late summer. The foliage has a strong, pleasant mint-like fragrance when touched. This cultivar is sterile, producing no viable seed. Highly attractive to bees, particularly bumblebees. Deer and rabbit resistant. Hardy in zones 3–8. Named Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association in 2007.
Native Range
Nepeta racemosa (the parent species) is native to the Caucasus, northern Iran, and adjacent parts of southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe, growing on dry, rocky slopes, open scrub, and stony ground in well-drained soil in full sun. 'Walker's Low' is a garden cultivar of UK origin.Suggested Uses
Planted as edging, ground cover, or border infill at 24–30 inch (60–75 cm) spacing. One of the most versatile and reliable of all border perennials. Classic combination with roses — the soft lavender-blue complements virtually all rose colors. Effective cascading over walls, as a driveway edge, or as an informal low hedge. An essential plant for pollinator gardens and drought-tolerant borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Bloom Information
Blooms late May through August in zones 3–8, with the main flush in June–July. After the first flush, cutting the plant back by half stimulates a strong second bloom in August–September. In mild Pacific Northwest gardens, continuous bloom from late May through October is achievable with one or two hard cuts. One of the longest-blooming hardy perennials in the temperate palette.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
softly gray-green, small, oval to heart-shaped, finely toothedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in average to poor, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Tolerates drought, heat, and lean soils once established; avoid wet or waterlogged conditions which cause crown rot. After the first main bloom flush, cut the entire plant back by half (to 6–9 inches/15–23 cm) to stimulate a vigorous second flush of both foliage and flowers. Space plants at 24–30 inches (60–75 cm). No staking required. Virtually pest and disease free. Deer and rabbit resistant.Pruning
Cut back by half immediately after the first bloom flush (typically late July) — cut to approximately 6–9 inches (15–23 cm) above the crown. New foliage and a second bloom flush will emerge within 3–4 weeks. In fall, cut all stems to 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) above the crown after frost. In early spring, remove any remaining dead stems before new growth pushes. Division every 3–4 years in early spring maintains vigor.Pruning Schedule
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summerfallearly spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons