If you’re looking to add a touch of charm and beauty to your garden, look no further than Walker’s Low Catmint (Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’). This perennial plant is celebrated for its lush foliage, vibrant flowers, and resilience, making it a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced horticulturist or a novice gardener, Walker’s Low Catmint offers numerous benefits that can elevate your gardening experience.
What is Walker’s Low Catmint?
Walker’s Low Catmint is a hardy perennial belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Although its name might suggest that it is a variety meant for feline companions, it is actually more renowned for its ornamental beauty and aromatic qualities. The plant was first discovered in the garden of a man named David Walker in Ireland, from which it derives its name. This cultivar is particularly admired for its low growth habit, reaching about 24 to 36 inches tall and spreading just as wide, making it perfect for borders and garden beds.
Characteristics of Walker’s Low Catmint
- Foliage: Walker’s Low Catmint features aromatic, gray-green leaves that are finely serrated and slightly hairy. The foliage emits a pleasant minty aroma when crushed, which is one of the reasons it is avoided by deer and rabbits.
- Flowers: The plant produces spikes of delicate lavender-blue flowers that bloom from late spring through early fall. The small, tubular flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to any pollinator garden.
- Fragrance: The entire plant has a lovely minty fragrance, adding a sensory element to your garden space. The aroma can enhance your gardening experience and attract beneficial insects.
Growing Zones
Walker’s Low Catmint is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8, which means it can thrive in a variety of climates. Its adaptability allows it to flourish in both cooler northern climates and warmer southern regions, provided the conditions are right.
Why Choose Walker’s Low Catmint?
1. Drought Tolerance
One of the most appealing features of Walker’s Low Catmint is its exceptional drought tolerance. Once established, this plant requires minimal watering, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and gardens in areas with limited water resources. Its deep root system allows it to access moisture from the soil, which helps it survive dry spells.
2. Low Maintenance
Walker’s Low Catmint is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require excessive care. It thrives in poor soil conditions and does not need frequent fertilization. This quality makes it perfect for busy gardeners who want beautiful blooms without a lot of work.
3. Pollinator-Friendly
As mentioned earlier, Walker’s Low Catmint is a magnet for pollinators. Its nectar-rich flowers provide essential food sources for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a vital component of any garden ecosystem. By planting Walker’s Low Catmint, you can contribute to the health and diversity of local wildlife.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
With its soft lavender-blue flowers and aromatic foliage, Walker’s Low Catmint adds a touch of elegance and color to any garden. It can create stunning visual interest when planted in mass or combined with other perennials. The plant’s cascading habit also makes it an excellent choice for containers and hanging baskets.
5. Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Many gardeners struggle with deer and rabbits munching on their precious plants. Fortunately, Walker’s Low Catmint is generally avoided by these animals due to its aromatic foliage. This makes it an excellent option for gardens located in areas with high populations of deer and rabbits.
How to Plant Walker’s Low Catmint
Planting Walker’s Low Catmint is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just a few steps. Follow this guide to ensure successful planting:
1. Choosing the Right Location
Walker’s Low Catmint thrives in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. When selecting a location, look for well-drained soil, as the plant does not do well in soggy or waterlogged conditions.
2. Preparing the Soil
While Walker’s Low Catmint is adaptable to various soil types, it prefers slightly alkaline to neutral pH levels. If your soil is heavy clay or overly acidic, consider amending it with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Spacing and Planting
When planting Walker’s Low Catmint, provide ample space for each plant. Ideally, space them about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for their mature size.
To plant:
- Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Remove the plant from its container and gently loosen any tightly bound roots.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill the hole with soil, pressing down lightly to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting
After planting, give your Walker’s Low Catmint a good drink of water to help it settle into its new home. While this plant is drought-tolerant, it will benefit from regular watering during its first growing season to establish strong roots.
Caring for Walker’s Low Catmint
Once your Walker’s Low Catmint is planted, proper care will ensure its health and longevity. Here are some tips for maintaining this beautiful perennial:
1. Watering
Once established, Walker’s Low Catmint is quite drought-tolerant and requires little to no supplemental watering. Water deeply only when the soil is dry several inches below the surface. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to monitor soil moisture levels.
2. Fertilizing
Walker’s Low Catmint does not require much fertilizer. In fact, excessive fertilization can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. If you want to give your plant a little boost, a light application of compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring is sufficient.
3. Pruning
To encourage a bushier growth habit and extend the blooming period, it’s a good idea to prune your Walker’s Low Catmint after its first bloom cycle. Cut back spent flowers and a few inches of foliage to promote fresh growth.
In the fall, after the plant has finished blooming, you can cut it back to the ground to prepare it for winter. This will help keep your garden tidy and encourage vigorous growth in the spring.
4. Deadheading
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, is not strictly necessary for Walker’s Low Catmint, but it can help prolong the blooming period. If you wish to keep your plant looking tidy and encourage additional blooms, simply pinch or cut off the spent flowers at their base.
5. Dividing
If your Walker’s Low Catmint has grown too large or you want to propagate it, you can divide the plant in early spring or late fall. To do this:
- Carefully dig up the plant, taking care to preserve the root system.
- Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the root ball into smaller sections.
- Replant the divisions in new locations or share them with friends.
Walker’s Low Catmint in the Landscape
Walker’s Low Catmint is a versatile plant that can be used in various garden designs and styles. Here are some ideas for incorporating this delightful perennial into your landscape:
1. Borders and Edging
Walker’s Low Catmint makes an excellent choice for borders and edging along pathways, garden beds, or patios. Its soft foliage and flowers create a gentle, flowing appearance that defines spaces beautifully.
2. Mass Planting
For a stunning visual impact, consider planting Walker’s Low Catmint in mass. When grouped together, the lavender-blue blooms create a striking carpet of color that attracts pollinators and enhances the overall beauty of your garden.
3. Pollinator Gardens
As a pollinator-friendly plant, Walker’s Low Catmint is a great addition to a garden designed to attract beneficial insects. Combine it with other nectar-rich plants such as coneflowers, bee balm, and asters to create a vibrant habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
4. Container Gardening
Walker’s Low Catmint is also well-suited for container gardening. When planted in pots, it can brighten patios, balconies, or entryways. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and choose a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
5. Cottage Gardens
With its informal growth habit and charming flowers, Walker’s Low Catmint is a perfect fit for cottage-style gardens. Combine it with other perennials, ornamental grasses, and flowering annuals to create a whimsical, relaxed atmosphere.
6. Rock Gardens
Walker’s Low Catmint is also ideal for rock gardens due to its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soil. Its cascading growth habit makes it a great choice for spilling over rocks and creating a natural, rugged look.
Walker’s Low Catmint as a Companion Plant
When planning your garden, consider the benefits of companion planting with Walker’s Low Catmint. Here are a few plants that pair well with this perennial:
1. Roses
Walker’s Low Catmint is a perfect companion for roses. The aromatic foliage helps repel pests that commonly affect roses, such as aphids. The contrasting colors of the lavender-blue catmint flowers against the vibrant rose blooms create a stunning visual display.
2. Lavender
Both Walker’s Low Catmint and lavender thrive in similar growing conditions, making them excellent companions. Their similar fragrance and visual appeal can create a harmonious, aromatic garden space.
3. Salvia
Salvia and Walker’s Low Catmint complement each other beautifully. The tall spikes of salvia flowers provide vertical interest, while the low-growing catmint fills in the gaps, creating a balanced and dynamic planting scheme.
4. Echinacea (Coneflower)
The vibrant blooms of coneflowers create a lovely contrast with the softer hues of Walker’s Low Catmint. Both plants attract pollinators, making them a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.
5. Ornamental Grasses
Pairing Walker’s Low Catmint with ornamental grasses can create a lovely contrast in texture and form. The soft, flowing nature of catmint combined with the upright growth of grasses results in a visually appealing landscape.
Common Pests and Diseases
While Walker’s Low Catmint is generally pest-resistant and disease-free, there are a few issues to watch for. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
1. Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can occasionally infest catmint. If you notice them on your plant, spray them off with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap if the infestation is severe. Regularly checking for pests can help you catch them early.
2. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew can occur in humid conditions, especially if the plant is crowded. To prevent this fungal disease, ensure good air circulation around your plants by spacing them adequately and avoiding overhead watering. If powdery mildew does appear, you can treat it with fungicidal sprays or simply remove affected leaves.
3. Root Rot
Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, which can be detrimental to Walker’s Low Catmint. If you suspect your plant is suffering from root rot, check the soil moisture levels. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and if necessary, amend the soil to improve drainage.
Winter Care for Walker’s Low Catmint
In colder climates, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure your Walker’s Low Catmint survives the winter:
1. Mulching
Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in late fall can help insulate the roots and retain moisture. Use organic materials such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves.
2. Cutting Back
After the first frost, cut back the foliage to about 2 to 3 inches above the ground. This helps prevent any potential diseases and encourages fresh growth in the spring.
3. Monitoring Snow Cover
If your region experiences heavy snowfall, the snow can provide excellent insulation for your catmint. However, if you live in an area with fluctuating temperatures, it’s important to monitor for any signs of frost heaving, where the plant may be pushed out of the ground. If this occurs, gently press the plant back into the soil.
Propagation of Walker’s Low Catmint
If you love Walker’s Low Catmint and want to share it with friends or expand your garden, propagation is relatively easy. Here are two common methods:
1. Division
As mentioned earlier, division is a great way to propagate Walker’s Low Catmint. Simply divide the root ball into smaller sections and replant them in new locations. The best time to divide is in early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant.
2. Stem Cuttings
You can also propagate Walker’s Low Catmint from stem cuttings. Here’s how:
- Select healthy, non-flowering stems in the late spring or early summer.
- Cut a 4 to 6-inch section of the stem just below a leaf node.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few sets of leaves at the top.
- Place the cutting in a glass of water or a pot filled with moist potting mix.
- Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location until roots develop, which can take a few weeks.
- Once the roots are established, transplant it into your garden or container.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walker’s Low Catmint
1. Is Walker’s Low Catmint invasive?
No, Walker’s Low Catmint is not considered invasive. Unlike some other catmint varieties that can spread aggressively, this cultivar maintains a well-behaved growth habit.
2. How often should I water Walker’s Low Catmint?
Once established, Walker’s Low Catmint is very drought-tolerant and requires little watering. Water deeply only when the soil is dry several inches below the surface.
3. Can Walker’s Low Catmint be grown in containers?
Yes, Walker’s Low Catmint is well-suited for container gardening. Be sure to use well-draining potting soil and choose a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
4. When should I prune Walker’s Low Catmint?
Prune Walker’s Low Catmint after its first bloom cycle in late spring or early summer to encourage fresh growth. You can also cut it back to the ground in the fall after it has finished blooming.
5. What pests are common with Walker’s Low Catmint?
Aphids are the most common pests that may infest Walker’s Low Catmint. They can be managed with water sprays or insecticidal soap. Additionally, keep an eye out for powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Final Words
Walker’s Low Catmint is a versatile, low-maintenance perennial that can enhance any garden with its beauty and charm. Its long blooming period, drought tolerance, and pollinator-friendly qualities make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a vibrant, sustainable landscape. By following the tips and guidance outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can enjoy the many benefits of Walker’s Low Catmint for years to come.
Whether you choose to plant it as a border, in containers, or as part of a pollinator garden, Walker’s Low Catmint is sure to add color, fragrance, and life to your outdoor space.