 |
 |
| NEPETA, Walker's Low (Catmint) Perennial Plant of the Year 2007 Introduced in 1988 in Europe, Walker's Low Catmint has become increasingly popular with each passing year due to its lovely blue-violet flowers and their long bloom time, attractive and aromatic grey foliage, lack of pest or disease problems, and low maintenance requirements. It will bloom almost continously throughout the season, from May until frost, if it is pruned back by two-thirds when the initial flowers fade. Walker's Low is 36" tall with a spread of 30-36" . Hardy in zones 3-8, it thrives in average, well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant, and along with other catmints, salt-tolerant. Performs best in a sunny site, but will tolerate some shade in hot climates. |
| Landscape Uses: 'Walker's Low' has many uses, based on its lovely color and vigorous, billowy habit. Use it as a border plant to outline a walkway, in the rock garden to cascade over rocks, or as a groundcover. It is a good companion plant for both early summer and late season combinations, pairing well with Coreopsis, Salvia, Iris, Shasta Daisy, Lilies etc. Try an interesting combination with purple leaved Sedums like 'Black Jack' and 'Purple Emperor'. Catmint is a classic companion for Roses - its soft, mounded habit camouflaging effectively the often unattractive lower stems of Roses. For a scene straight out of grandmother's garden pair it with Foxgloves, Peonies, Pinks and Bearded Iris. Catmint will be visited by an array of bees and butterflies. However, it is resistant to deer and rabbit foraging!! As with all catmints, this plant contains the chemical nepetalactone, which is attractive to cats. Some anecdotal evidence supports the claim that 'Walker's Low' does not inspire extensive feline activity. (I totally agree as none of our cats ever touch the plant). Previously featured plants: Dianthus, Firewitch Astrantia major (Masterwort) Anthemis, Susanna Mitchell Veronica, Royal Candles Dicentra, Gold Heart |