How to Grow Catmint Walker's Low
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Catmint Walker's Low
Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low'
herbWalker's Low is a compact, mounding cultivar of catmint known for its profuse lavender-blue flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage. This hybrid catmint is more heat and drought tolerant than many perennials and blooms prolifically from early summer through fall. It's an excellent choice for borders, containers, and pollinator gardens.
When should you plant Catmint Walker's Low in your zone?
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Example Catmint Walker's Low timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Catmint Walker's Low
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Catmint Walker's Low
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Catmint Walker's Low dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Get my Catmint Walker's Low timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Transplant
3-4 weeksSmall rosette of gray-green leaves, compact low growth habit emerging
Keep soil lightly moist, provide bright light. Harden off transplants before planting outdoors.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksMounding plant 12-18 inches tall, dense foliage fills in, no flowers yet
Water moderately, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Light fertilization with balanced fertilizer if desired. Pinch back tips early to encourage bushier growth.
Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFirst small clusters of lavender-blue flowers appear at branch tips; buds forming along entire plant
Begin deadheading spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Increase watering slightly during heat. Stake if needed in windy locations.
Peak Bloom
8-12 weeks (June through September)Plant covered in lavender-blue flower spikes from top to bottom, reaching 18-24 inches tall at maturity
Deadhead regularly for non-stop blooms through summer and fall. Minimal fertilizer needed. Mulch lightly around base to retain moisture in very hot climates.
Fall/Winter Decline
3-4 monthsFlowering slows as temperatures drop; foliage may take on purple or bronze tones; dies back to basal foliage in cold climates
Stop deadheading in late fall to allow plant to harden off. Cut back dead stems in early spring before new growth emerges. In mild climates, may remain semi-evergreen.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil in severe cases
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; ladybugs and lacewings
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and
(rare)
Remove debris; copper tape barriers; hand-pick if present
Uses
Herbal Tea & Infusions
CulinaryCatmint leaves and flowers make a soothing, mint-like herbal tea with a delicate floral note. Dried catmint is commonly blended with other herbs for relaxation teas. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalHistorically used in folk medicine to support relaxation and digestive comfort. The dried herb contains volatile oils believed to have calming properties. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeHighly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Walker's Low blooms prolifically over a long season, providing consistent nectar and pollen sources. [source]
Cut Flower & Dried Arrangement
HouseholdLong-lasting in fresh arrangements and dries beautifully for dried floral designs. Its airy texture adds elegance to bouquets and wreaths. [source]
Decorative & Fragrant Sachet
CraftDried catmint creates pleasant-smelling sachets for drawers, closets, and crafts. The aromatic leaves retain their fragrance for months when properly dried. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For fresh use, pinch or cut flower spikes anytime during bloom for arrangements or drying. Best flavor and aroma in flower buds just before opening. For dried catmint, cut stems in mid-morning after dew dries, bunch, and hang-dry in cool, dark, airy location (1-2 weeks). Deadhead throughout season to prevent self-seeding and extend blooming.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Walker's Low is named after and was first grown at the garden of Graham Stuart Thomas, a renowned English gardener and author, though the name references the lower-growing habit compared to other catmint varieties.
- 🌱 Catmint has a fascinating history—it's been used in Europe for centuries, with some herbals dating back to medieval times, and was introduced to North America by colonists who valued it for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
- 🌱 The plant's name 'catmint' comes from its strong attractiveness to cats, who are often enticed to roll in and rub against it; the response is similar to catnip but typically less intense.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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