Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Featured Plant of The Day: 'Walker's Low' Catmint

Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's  Low'
syn. Nepeta mussinii
Catmint

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 8A
Height    8" to 10" / 20cm to 25cm
Spread    12" to 24" / 30cm to 60cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Irregular or sprawling, spreading or horizontal and upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Blue and lavender
Bloom Time    Spring through Fall

Environment
This plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green and silvery
This plant has attractive foliage and fragrant foliage.

Landscape Uses
-    Container plantings
-    Rock garden
-    Seashore planting
-    Border
-    Groundcover

Attributes and Features
-    Attracts butterflies
-    Extended bloom season
-    Sensitive to humidity

Culture Notes
Cut after blooming to encourage new growth and a denser plant.  Nepeta likes to spill over and needs periodic pruning to maintain its shape.  Prefers full sun, planted in a moist, well-drained soil.  Division of this plant can be done in the spring.  'Walker's Low' has long blooming, lavender-blue flowers.

Flush growth is in the center - prune older foliage on the outside edges after first blooms start drying.