Species catmint
cluster of small, funnel-shaped, purple flowers with hairy, red-green sepals, and small, green, toothed leaves

catmint

Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low'

Catmint (Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low') is an attractive, drought-tolerant flowering perennial suitable for use in gardens and as a ground cover. Its soft gray-green foliage is fragrant when touched and is often accompanied by fragrant lavender-blue flowers, which bloom for months during the growing season. This hardy plant is ideal for use in containers, rock gardens, mass plantings, or along pathways. It is deer resistant, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and grows best in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Catmint is easy to maintain and is considered to be low maintenance, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Lavender blue Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Catmint prefers soil that is kept lightly moist to provide the most vigorous and attractive growth. During the growing period, water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Make sure to always check the soil - it should be kept moist but not soggy. In periods of hot, dry weather, Catmint should be watered more often. During the cooler winter months, the plant will likely need less water. Generally, water deeply once a week.

sunlight

Catmint (Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low') should ideally be grown in a location that receives full sunlight during the morning hours. Depending on the climate, it can also tolerate partial shade during the afternoon. In USDA hardiness zones 3-9 (most of the US) Catmint should receive approximately 6-8 hours of full sunlight per day during the growing season. When grown in hot climates, it should be planted in an area that receives some afternoon shade to protect it from the full strength of the sun. For optimal flowering, it is best to provide Catmint with some exposure to the sun during the morning as well as during the afternoon.

pruning

Catmint should be pruned at least once per season. Spring is the best time to prune catmint, as this encourages dense growth and keeps the plant tidy. Cut the stems back to about 6 inches from the ground, as this encourages bushier growth and removes the faded flowers. For additional pruning, wait until the end of summer and gather the stem tips and cut back the branches to 2 to 4 inches from the ground. This will keep the plant in check and encourage more vigorous flowering.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Catmint typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Catmint typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map