How to Grow Catmint 'Junior Walker'

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Catmint 'Junior Walker'

Nepeta × faassenii 'Junior Walker'

flower

Catmint 'Junior Walker' is a compact, dwarf cultivar of hybrid catmint known for its profuse lavender-blue flowers and silvery-green aromatic foliage. This low-growing perennial is a miniature version of standard catmint, making it ideal for borders, containers, and small spaces. It's a hardy, low-maintenance plant that attracts bees and butterflies throughout the growing season.

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Example Catmint 'Junior Walker' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Catmint 'Junior Walker'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Catmint 'Junior Walker' blooms
Around Jul 16

≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Catmint 'Junior Walker' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Low water needs once established; water moderately during growth phase. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Drought-tolerant; overwatering causes root rot and reduced vigor.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days to first substantial bloom from transplant; flowering begins 6-8 weeks after planting

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Planting depth: Transplants at same depth as container; seeds pressed lightly on soil surface (light germinators)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost (minimal; prefers lean soil) Avoid heavy clay and wet soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; extremely cold and heat tolerant

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with paired oval leaves emerge within 7-14 days. Very delicate with fine stems.

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin to strongest seedlings if direct seeding.

Juvenile

3-4 weeks

Small rosettes of silvery-green, finely textured foliage form. Plant is low and compact, 2-4 inches tall.

Gradually harden off transplants. Begin light fertilizing with balanced fertilizer. Keep consistently moist but not soggy.

Vegetative

4-6 weeks

Plant reaches 6-12 inches height with dense, mounding habit. Foliage fully developed with aromatic silvery-green leaves.

Reduce watering frequency as plant establishes. No heavy fertilizing needed; light feeding monthly is sufficient. Pinch back growing tips for bushier form.

Flowering

8-12 weeks (summer through early fall)

Abundant spikes of small lavender-blue flowers emerge from the canopy. Continuous blooming with deadheading; naturally reblooms if not deadheaded.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain compact shape. Reduce watering; drought stress actually improves flowering. No additional fertilizer needed.

Senescence & Winter Dormancy

Variable; dormancy lasts until spring

Foliage becomes less vibrant as temperatures cool. Plant dies back to ground in cold zones or remains semi-evergreen in milder zones.

Cut back dead growth in spring after frost danger passes. In zones 3-5, mulch lightly to protect crowns. No watering needed in dormancy.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Russian Sage Coreopsis Salvia Sedum Ornamental grasses (Festuca, Stipa) Achillea Santolina

Avoid planting near:

Heavy feeders (tomatoes, squash) Moisture-loving plants (hostas, astilbe) Dense shade-requiring plants (ferns in full sun areas)

Common Pests

Increase humidity with periodic misting; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Avoid overwatering which promotes mites.
Ensure good air circulation. Apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray (1 tbsp per gallon water). Remove affected leaves.
Improve drainage immediately; reduce watering frequency. Repot in fresh, dry soil if potted. Fungicide application only as last resort.

Uses

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Herbal Tea & Infusions

Culinary

Fresh or dried catmint leaves make a pleasant mint-like herbal tea. Steep 1 teaspoon dried leaves or 1 tablespoon fresh leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. The tea has a mild, fruity flavor with subtle mint notes. [source]

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Calming & Sleep Support

Medicinal

Catmint has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its mild relaxant properties. The plant contains compounds that may support restful sleep and reduce nervousness when consumed as tea. [source]

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Natural Insect Repellent

Household

The aromatic foliage contains nepetalactone, a compound that repels certain insects. Dried catmint can be placed in sachets or sachets near windows and doors for natural pest deterrent properties. [source]

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Dried Flower Arrangements & Crafts

Craft

The delicate lavender-blue flower spikes and silvery foliage dry beautifully and hold color well for 6+ months. Use in dried wreaths, potpourri, or decorative arrangements. [source]

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Pollinator & Butterfly Magnet

Wildlife

Catmint is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects throughout the blooming season. Planting 'Junior Walker' supports pollinator populations in gardens and landscapes. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental plant; flowers can be cut fresh for small arrangements when fully open. Harvest blooms in morning for longest vase life (3-5 days). Cut flower spikes just below the florets. To dry flowers, cut spikes just before full bloom and hang-dry in a warm, airy location for 2-3 weeks. Foliage can be harvested anytime for crafts or tea preparation; best flavor before flowering.

Fun Facts

🌱 The compound nepetalactone in catmint affects cats similarly to catnip (another Nepeta species), causing some cats to roll, rub, and play on the plant—though 'Junior Walker' is less potent than true catnip.
🌱 'Junior Walker' is a dwarf cultivar developed to provide all the benefits of standard catmint (6-18 inches tall) in a compact form perfect for containers, rock gardens, and tight spaces.
🌱 Catmint has been used in European gardens and herbalism for over 2,000 years and is also called 'catnep' in some regions; it's native to Mediterranean regions and parts of Asia.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch Perennial pH Pinch Back Transplant

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