Nepeta x faassenii Junior Walker (Catmint)
A popular compact selection, Nepeta x faassenii Junior Walker (Catmint) is a striking herbaceous perennial of low, spreading habit, forming a dense clump of small, aromatic, gray-green leaves all season long. From early summer into early fall, the foliage is topped with well-branched stems boasting showy spikes of soft, lavender flower. Very floriferous, Junior Walker is a sterile dwarf of world acclaimed Nepeta 'Walker's Low'. Low maintenance, drought tolerant, deer resistant, long-lasting season of interest, Catmint is a wonderful garden plant. Plant in large drifts along a walkway to create a garden space that overflows with color and enjoy its mint scent when bruised. Terrific near the front of the border or for spilling over walls or container edges.
- Typically grows up to 14-16 inches tall (35-40 cm) and 30-36 in. wide (75-90 cm).
- Performs best in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Provide light afternoon shade in warm summer areas.
- A remarkably low-maintenance plant, this excellent performer is highly versatile and can be used in many situations: in the front of the perennial border, in gravel gardens, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens. It is also great for edging beds, along paths. Nepeta is perfect for underplanting roses as the colors complement each other and the foliage hides the bare feet of the rose bushes.
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, but is ignored by deer and rabbits.
- Extremely easy growing plant with few pests or problems. Watch for leafhoppers or powdery mildew.
- May be cut back before first flowering to promote more compact size. Shear flower spikes after flowering to encourage a second flowering. Best propagated by division in spring or fall.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
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Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Nepeta – Catmints |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24″ – 36″ (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |