Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low'
Walker's Low Catmint
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Height
- 2 ft to 3 ft
- Width
- 2 ft to 3 ft
- Flower color
- Lavender blue flower spikes held above foliage with soft violet tones
- Foliage color
- Aromatic gray green leaves with a softly textured surface and mounding habit
- Bloom time
- Late spring through early fall
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; shear after flowering flushes to encourage rebloom and maintain compact growth
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and pollinators attracted to nectar rich flowers
About this plant
Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers from late spring into early fall, creating a long season of color that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Small, aromatic leaves are gray-green with softly scalloped edges that remains attractive throughout the growing season. The foliage releases a pleasant herbal fragrance when brushed, while the flowers are held above the leaves on arching stems.
Originating from a species native to the Caucasus region and western Asia, this cultivar reflects garden selection focused on ornamental performance and extended bloom. It is well suited to borders, cottage gardens, pathways, and pollinator plantings, where its long flowering season and soft texture contribute lasting garden interest.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Lavender · Coreopsis · Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Coneflowers
Design tip
Fall bloom is its strength, and it earns a place near a path or seating area used late in the year. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
