Catmint Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low'
ABOUT
Walker's Low catmint showcases a lovely mound of aromatic gray-green foliage. This perennial plant emits a pleasant fragrance when brushed against or crushed. Throughout the blooming season, it becomes adorned with long, delicate spikes of lavender-blue flowers. The blooms create a soft visual impact and can attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The foliage typically remains attractive throughout the growing season, giving off a soft, inviting texture in the garden. Walker's Low catmint is a hardy selection, and it maintains good form without needing staking, often exhibiting a rounding habit that spreads outwards with numerous flowering stems.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Walker's Low Catmint, Walker's Low Nepeta
Common names
Nepeta nepetella, Glechoma racemosa, Nepeta mussini, Nepeta racemosa var. subsessilis.
ToxicityTo humans
Catmint is generally not toxic to humans. It is a plant often used in gardens for its aromatic leaves and is also recognized for its use in herbal medicine. There are no commonly known toxic effects in humans from ingesting Catmint.
To pets
Catmint is not considered toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. In fact, it is closely related to catnip and can elicit similar reactions in some cats, such as mild euphoria or excitement. However, excessive ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it is always a good idea to monitor your pets and prevent them from consuming large amounts of any non-food plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, thriving with minimal watering or fertilizing.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is known for drawing in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which can help pollinate surrounding plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Walker's Low catmint can withstand dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in arid climates.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The plant is not appealing to deer and rabbits, reducing the likelihood of it being eaten by these animals.
- Long Blooming Period: Produces lavender-blue flowers from late spring to early fall, offering a long season of visual interest.
- Aromatic Foliage: The gray-green foliage is fragrant, releasing a pleasant aroma when brushed against or crushed.
- Ground Cover: Can be used as a ground cover due to its spreading habit, helping to crowd out weeds and reduce soil erosion.
- Ornamental: With its attractive flowers and foliage, it provides an aesthetic appeal to any garden or landscape.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated by division, making it an economical choice for expanding the garden.
- Uses in Landscaping: Ideal for borders, rock gardens, and as a complement to other perennials in mixed beds.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that may help to reduce inflammation.
- Sedative: Traditionally used to promote relaxation and sleep.
- Antispasmodic: May help in relieving muscle spasms or cramps.
- Astringent: Can be used for its tightening effect on tissues, possibly aiding in wound healing.
- Carminative: Known to help relieve flatulence or gas in the digestive system.
- Anxiolytic: Can have a mild anxiety-reducing effect.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cat Attraction: Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low', commonly known as catmint, can be used to attract cats to a particular area of a garden to keep them away from other more delicate plants that might be harmed by feline attention.
- Natural Pest Deterrent: The strong scent of catmint can repel certain insects and pests, making it a beneficial companion plant in vegetable gardens or ornamental beds.
- Homemade Potpourri: The dried leaves and flowers of catmint can be added to potpourri mixtures for a pleasant aroma within the home.
- Landscape Design: Catmint can be used in landscape design for its long-lasting blooms and easy care, fitting well in rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover.
- Erosion Control: The plant can be utilized in erosion-prone areas thanks to its dense growth habit, which helps stabilize soil.
- Herbal Sachets: Dried catmint can be stuffed into sachets to place in drawers or closets for a natural fragrance and to deter moths.
- Garden Borders: The neat mound-forming habit of catmint makes it an excellent choice for defining garden paths and bed edges.
- Photography Prop: The beautiful purple flowers of catmint provide a lovely backdrop or focus for nature photography.
- Culinary Garnish: While not common, the flowers of catmint can be used as an edible garnish for certain dishes, contributing a mild, savory flavor.
- Floral Arrangements: Both fresh and dried catmint flowers can be used in floral arrangements for their texture and color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Walker's Low catmint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Walker's Low catmint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Relaxation: Also known by the common name Catmint, Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' has a reputation for its calming effects, akin to its cousin, catnip, which is famous for its soothing influence on cats, symbolizing relaxation and peace.
- Playfulness: Catmint is associated with playful behavior because of its ability to attract cats and entice them into playful states, therefore symbolizing a carefree and playful attitude towards life.
- Hardiness: As a plant that's known for being drought-tolerant and generally easy to maintain, Catmint embodies the symbolic meaning of hardiness and resilience.
- Attracting Positive Influences: Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' is a magnet for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, symbolizing the attraction of positive influences into one's life.
WaterCatmint, commonly known as Walker's Low, prefers consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, but it's important not to overwater. Aim to provide 1 inch of water weekly through rainfall or manual watering. A deep watering is preferable to frequent, shallow waterings to encourage deep root growth. During particularly hot or dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, monitoring the soil moisture to adjust accordingly. In established gardens, catmint is fairly drought-tolerant and may require less frequent watering.
LightCatmint thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. A spot that receives morning sun and dappled afternoon shade can also work well, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and reduce its flowering. Ensure the chosen location offers ample sunlight for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
TemperatureCatmint is cold-hardy and can withstand winter temperatures as low as -30°F. The ideal growing temperatures for Catmint range from 60°F to 70°F during the day. It can also perform well in summer temperatures up to 85°F, but the plant may go dormant if temperatures exceed this range.
PruningTo maintain a tidy appearance and promote a second flush of flowers, prune Catmint after the first bloom period typically ends in early summer. Cutting back the plant by about a third after flowering can help rejuvenate it and encourage compact growth. Pruning in the spring to remove any winter-damaged foliage is also beneficial.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for 'Catmint' is well-draining soil amended with compost or other organic matter. The appropriate pH level should range from 6.0 to 7.5. Loose and sandy loam soils are ideal for encouraging good root growth and drainage.
Repotting'Catmint' plants are generally drought-tolerant and do not require frequent repotting. They should be repotted every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil and encourage continued growth.
Humidity & Misting'Catmint' thrives in average humidity levels, typical of outdoor environments. They are adaptable and do not require any special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, well-draining soil, and a pot with drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space 18-24 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleWalker's Low Catmint begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in spring or fall, germinates in warm soil. The seedlings emerge and establish a root system, gradually developing into a clump-forming perennial with square stems and gray-green, aromatic foliage. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative growth stage, during which it develops its characteristic foliage and begins to spread. Following vegetative growth, Walker's Low Catmint enters the flowering stage in late spring or early summer, producing spikes of lavender-blue flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be collected or allowed to self-sow, completing the reproductive cycle of the plant. During fall and winter, Walker's Low Catmint becomes dormant, with the top growth dying back after frost, but it regenerates from its hardy roots with the return of warm weather in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Catmint 'Walker's Low' (Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low') can be effectively propagated by stem cuttings, which is the most popular method for this plant. To propagate, you should take cuttings in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. Cut a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) piece of stem from the current year's growth, making sure that there are at least a couple of pairs of leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The stem should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix, and the environment should be kept humid by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before transplanting outside.
