This long flowering perennial produces clouds of soft lavender-blue flowers above aromatic grey-green foliage from late spring well into autumn. More compact than the popular ‘Walker’s Low’, Nepeta × faassenii ‘Junior Walker’ offers the same relaxed cottage garden charm while remaining neat and manageable, making it perfect for borders, pathways, containers, and pollinator-friendly planting schemes.
Nepeta × faassenii ‘Junior Walker’, commonly known as Catmint, is loved by gardeners for its exceptionally long flowering period, drought tolerance, and ability to attract bees and butterflies. Its soft, billowing habit blends beautifully with roses, salvias, echinaceas, and ornamental grasses, creating a naturalistic look that requires very little maintenance once established.
Perennial
Herbaceous, Compact, Long Flowering, Pollinator Friendly
Flowers: May to October
Foliage: March to November
Scientific Name
Nepeta × faassenii ‘Junior Walker’ (Faassen’s catmint)
Common Name
Catmint
Faassen’s Catmint
Origin
Nepeta × faassenii is a garden hybrid thought to originate from crosses involving species native to the Caucasus region and western Asia. ‘Junior Walker’ was selected as a more compact form of the well-known cultivar ‘Walker’s Low’.
Pruning Tips
After the first flush of flowers begins to fade, trim the plant back by around one third to encourage fresh growth and a second display of blooms. Cut back old stems to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Wildlife Value
An outstanding plant for pollinators. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the flowering season.
Positioning
Thrives in full sun and is ideal for borders, gravel gardens, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, and containers. Works particularly well along paths where the fragrant foliage can be brushed against.
Water
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and typically only requires additional watering during prolonged dry periods.
Soil
Prefers well-drained soil and thrives in sandy, chalky, or loamy conditions. Avoid waterlogged sites, particularly during winter.
Food
Generally requires very little feeding. A light application of a balanced fertiliser or an annual mulch of garden compost in spring is usually sufficient.
Pet-safe
Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Many cats are attracted to the foliage, although the effect is typically much milder than true catnip (Nepeta cataria).
Sprouts Top Tips
Don’t be afraid to give plants a haircut after the first flowering flush. A quick trim often results in a fresh mound of foliage and another impressive display of flowers later in the season.
Did You Know?
Despite the name, ‘Walker’s Low’ and its compact offspring ‘Junior Walker’ were not named because of their height. The original cultivar was named after a garden called Walker’s Low in England, where the plant was first grown.
