Overview
This species is not particularly attractive to cats, though some may be interested in it. It is a hybrid of N. racemosa and N. nepetella and is named for Dutch nurseryman J.H. Faassen who developed the first hybrids. This cultivar was developed in England and is named for a garden there, not for the plant’s size.
The Perennial Plant Association selected Nepeta x faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’ as their 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year®. This herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) is hardy in zones 3a to 8b. The common name for the genus Nepeta – catmint – comes from the attractiveness to cats of the aromatic volatiles released from the broken stems of some plants in this genus, especially catnip (N. cataria).
‘Walker’s Low’ has aromatic, gray-green to silvery foliage and produces profuse soft lavender-blue flowers over a long period from early summer through fall. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers.
The opposite leaves are 1 to 2 inches long with scalloped edges. The plant has 2 to 3 foot tall stems, but because of its arching habit the clumps are typically only 1 ½ to 2 feet high if not supported. This variety does not flop as much as some catmints. It tolerates hot summer temperatures and is fairly drought resistant once established.
Landscape Use of Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’
Nepeta x faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’ has a clean-cut look and provides a good show of color nearly all summer, making it a good choice for the front of a border. It is also useful as a tall edging and in herb gardens. It can be used as a ground cover, cascading over walls, or in containers. It is very effective planted in large masses or drifts. Catmint combines well with roses, beebalm, Shasta daisies, and ornamental grasses with blue foliage. The flowers make a nice contrast to bright orange tulips and daylilies, and harmonize well with soft yellow flowers, such as, yellow foxglove (Digitalis grandiflora), Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ and lemon yellow daylilies such as ‘Bitsy,’ ‘Hyperion,’ or many other cultivars.
General Care of Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’
Catmint grows well in full sun and any well-drained soil, although it will tolerate light shade. Once established, it tolerates drought (but grows better when well-watered). Shear the plant back in spring for more compact habit.
Cutting back plants by half to a third after the initial flush of flowers fade will promote reblooming and a more attractive appearance later it the season. ‘Walker’s Low’ is sterile and therefore will not set seed.
Catmint has few pest problems and is not bothered by deer or rabbits. Maintain proper plant spacing to reduce problems with powdery mildew.
Propagating Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’
The best methods of propagation are by division in spring or from soft wood cuttings taken in summer (June and July). Non-flowering side shoots about 3 inches long typically root in about 4 weeks.
Other Cultivars of Nepeta x faassenii
There are many other cultivars of N. x faassenii, including:
- ‘Blue Wonder’ has lavender-blue flowers
- ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ (PP 31,127) is compact, growing 12 to 14 inches tall and 18 to 20 inches wide and long flower spikes with blue-purple flowers.
- ‘Dawn to Dusk’ produces pink flowers
- ‘Dropmore’ has dark blue flowers
- ‘Purrsian Blue’ (PP 24,788) is a floriferous and long blooming variety that grows 14 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 30 inches wide, with blue flowers with purple calyxes.
- ‘Six Hills Giant’ is taller, with violet-blue flowers
- ‘Snowflake’ has white flowers
- ‘Tall Tails’ (PPAF) is a large (28 to 32 inches and 36 to 40 inches wide), upright variety with lavender blue flowers.
- ‘White Wonder’ is another white flowered cultivar
Author: Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin—Madison
Reviewers: Allen R. Pyle, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, Bruce Spangenberg, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW—Madison Extension
Revised: October 2026
