If you’re a gardener looking for a low-maintenance, hardy plant that will add plenty of color to your flower beds, look no further than catmint. Catmint, also known as Nepeta, is a versatile and easily grown plant that comes in various forms, from compact to sprawling. With its beautiful flowering attributes, catmint is an irresistible addition to any garden.
Catmints are known for their drought-tolerant and low-maintenance nature, making them ideal for water-wise gardens. They can thrive in a variety of soil types, from sandy loam to clay, and they are also tolerant of various diseases and pests. This makes catmint an excellent choice for beginner gardeners or those with limited time for maintenance.
One of the great things about catmint is its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. The flowers of catmint come in a range of colors, from pale pink to deep purple, and they bloom profusely from early summer to the fall. This not only adds beauty to your garden but also provides a valuable food source for butterflies and bees.
If you’re designing walkways or paths in your garden, catmint can be a wonderful addition. Its herbaceous and low-growing nature makes it the ultimate groundcover for borders, as it will cascade beautifully over edges and soften any harsh lines. Catmint can be used alongside other perennials and cool-season annuals to create a stunning, fragrant display.
Catmint is easy to grow from seed or propagate from cuttings. It is a hardy plant and can withstand cold winter temperatures, making it suitable for many regions. Just make sure to plant it in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, as catmint prefers full sun and can be prone to root rot if the soil is too wet. Water it regularly during its first growing season, and then water sparingly once established.
In conclusion, catmint is a versatile and irresistible plant that can add beauty and charm to any garden. Its low maintenance, drought-tolerant nature, and vibrant blooms make it a must-have for both experienced and novice gardeners. So why not give catmint a try in your garden? You’ll be rewarded with a stunning display of color and a haven for butterflies and pollinators.
How to Grow Nepeta Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’ for Flower Farmers and Gardeners
Nepeta Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’ is a popular herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Known for its attractive blue-violet flowers and aromatic foliage, this plant is a winner in any garden or landscape.
Growing Requirement
Nepeta Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’ is a perennial plant that can reach a height of 2 to 3 feet. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-8 and can tolerate both heat and cold. This makes it an ideal choice for flower farmers and gardeners who want a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in various conditions.
Planting and Maintenance
Nepeta Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’ is easy to grow and requires minimal care. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant the seeds or young plants in the desired location and water regularly until they establish a strong root system.
During the growing season, deadhead the flowers to promote continuous blooming. This will also help prevent self-seeding and reduce the risk of the plant becoming invasive in the garden.
Uses and Benefits
Nepeta Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’ has many uses in the garden and beyond. Its aromatic foliage makes it a great addition to herb and floral arrangements. The dried leaves can be used to make tea or added to soups for a unique flavor.
In addition to its attractive flowers, Nepeta Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’ is also known for its ability to repel mosquitoes. This makes it a popular choice for planting near outdoor seating areas and walkways.
Propagation
Nepeta Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’ can be propagated through division or by taking stem cuttings. Divide the plant in early spring or autumn, making sure each division has adequate roots. Stem cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer, and they should be rooted in a well-draining soil mix.
In conclusion
If you’re a flower farmer or gardener looking for a versatile and attractive plant for your garden or landscape, Nepeta Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’ is an excellent choice. With its low maintenance requirements and ability to thrive in various conditions, this plant is sure to be a winner in the 2021 growing season.
Nepeta Walker’s Low
Nepeta Walker’s Low, also known as ‘Walker’s Low’, is a popular catmint plant that is suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. This herbaceous perennial grows in clumps and forms a dense mound of attractive foliage.
The plant produces lavender-blue flowers on stiff stems, blooming from early summer to frost. Interestingly, Nepeta Walker’s Low is not invasive like catnip, making it a preferred choice for many gardeners.
When planting Nepeta Walker’s Low, it is important to choose a location where it will receive plenty of sunlight. This plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Nepeta Walker’s Low is a versatile plant and can be used in various ways. It is a great addition to floral designs, as its flowers add a pop of color and its aromatic foliage provides a pleasant fragrance. It can also be planted alongside other herbs or perennials to serve as a companion plant.
This plant is known for attracting birds, bees, and butterflies to the garden. The flowers produce nectar and pollen, which are a valuable food source for these pollinators. Additionally, the dried leaves of Nepeta Walker’s Low can be used to make teas or added to potpourri.
Harvesting Nepeta Walker’s Low is simple. The flowers can be harvested when they are in full bloom, while the foliage can be harvested throughout the growing season. To dry the leaves, simply hang them upside down in a well-ventilated area.
Nepeta Walker’s Low is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. It is recommended to trim the plant back after blooming to encourage a second flush of flowers. Additionally, removing spent flowers can help prolong the blooming period.
Overall, Nepeta Walker’s Low is an irresistible plant that adds beauty, fragrance, and interest to any garden. Whether used as a border plant, ground cover, or in containers, this versatile plant is sure to delight both gardeners and their feline friends!
Catmint vs Catnip
Catmint and catnip are two similar plants that belong to the same family, Lamiaceae. While they have some similarities, they also have a few key differences that make them unique. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between these two popular garden plants:
- Scientific Names: Catmint is known as Nepeta, while catnip is referred to as Nepeta cataria.
- Attraction to Cats: Both catmint and catnip are highly attractive to cats due to the presence of the compound nepetalactone. Cats tend to react to these plants by rolling, rubbing, and even consuming them.
- Growing Habit: Catmint is typically a low-growing, herbaceous perennial that forms attractive mounds. On the other hand, catnip can grow as either an herbaceous perennial or an annual plant.
- Hardiness: Both catmint and catnip are hardy plants that can withstand various weather conditions. They are suitable for growing in most areas, although they prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate heat and frost.
- Blooming: Catmint has a longer blooming cycle compared to catnip. It produces clusters of small flowers in various colors, attracting birds and other insects to the garden. Catnip, on the other hand, has small white or lavender-colored flowers.
- Uses: While catmint is primarily grown for its ornamental value, catnip is often used for medicinal and culinary purposes. It can be dried and made into tea or used as a mild sedative.
- Invasive Nature: Catmint is generally considered more well-behaved and less invasive compared to catnip. Catnip has a tendency to self-seed and can quickly take over a garden if not controlled.
- Companion Planting: Both catmint and catnip can be used as companion plants in the garden. Their strong scent acts as a natural deterrent to pests and can help keep the garden free from insect damage.
Whether you choose catmint or catnip, both plants offer attractive foliage, beautiful flowers, and the ultimate entertainment for your feline friends. Consider these differences when designing your garden and use them to your advantage to create a space that appeals to both human and furry visitors.
Nepeta Quickview
Nepeta, commonly known as catmint, is a group of perennials that are prized by both cats and gardeners. This cool herb is a favorite of felines because of its aromatic foliage. The most popular species, Nepeta cataria, is often used for harvesting catnip.
One of the outstanding characteristics of Nepeta is its drought-tolerant nature. It can thrive in areas where other plants would wither from lack of water. The plants are also quite hardy, able to withstand frost and grow in various types of soil. They are known for their soft gray-green foliage and tall spikes of flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white.
Nepeta has a height range of 1-3 feet, depending on the variety. The plants are suitable for zones 3-9 and are a favorite among gardeners who want to add a splash of color to their garden.
Some of the popular varieties of Nepeta include ‘Walker’s Low’, ‘Six Hills Giant’, and ‘Little Trudy’. These plants are known for their compact growth and long-lasting blooms.
Nepeta is an attractive companion plant for vegetables such as squash and sedum. It also attracts beneficial insects like butterflies and repels mosquitoes, making it a great addition to any garden.
Growing Nepeta is relatively easy as long as you provide it with the right conditions. It thrives in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. The plants have low water requirements and are considered water-wise. Initial watering should be adequate to establish the plants, but once mature, they can survive with minimal water.
Deadheading Nepeta after the first flush of flowers will encourage a second round of blooms. However, it is best to leave some of the seed heads for self-seeding. The plants can also be propagated from seeds or through division.
Nepeta has various uses, including culinary and medicinal. It is often used in teas and to make herbal remedies. Gardeners can also enjoy the beauty and fragrance of Nepeta in their flower arrangements.
If you have any questions about growing Nepeta or want to know more about this fantastic herb, check out our FAQ section.
