Junior Walker Catmint vs Walker’s Low Catmint: Which Variety is Right for Your Garden?

Catmint is a popular perennial plant known for its aromatic gray-green foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers that attract pollinators. Two of the most common catmint cultivars are Junior Walker and Walker’s Low. While they share some similarities there are a few key differences between these varieties that gardeners should consider when selecting one for their landscape.

An Overview of Junior Walker and Walker’s Low Catmints

Junior Walker and Walker’s Low are both varieties of Nepeta faassenii, which is commonly called catmint This species is valued for being drought tolerant once established, low maintenance, and deer resistant The flowers bloom in late spring through early fall, providing months of color and attracting beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

The main differences between the two catmints are in their size and growth habit:

• Walker’s Low – This variety grows taller, reaching 18-24 inches in height and spreading 24 inches wide. It has an upright, mounding growth habit. The foliage is an aromatic, delicate-looking grayish green color.

• Junior Walker – A more compact cultivar, Junior Walker only grows 12-18 inches tall but spreads wider to 30 inches across. It has a low, spreading habit rather than growing upright. The leaves are the same aromatic, gray-green color as Walker’s Low.

Ideal Uses for Each Catmint Variety

The variations in size and form make Walker’s Low and Junior Walker suited to slightly different uses:

• Walker’s Low – This variety works well as an ornamental plant for perennial borders, pollinator gardens, and in containers. The taller height and delicate appearance give it a refined look. The upright shape also suits formal garden designs.

• Junior Walker – The compact size makes Junior Walker ideal for edging paths and beds, as a ground cover, in rock gardens, and for containers on patios and decks. It can also tolerate some light foot traffic. The low spreading form spreads nicely over the edges of planters and walls.

Growing Conditions for Catmints

When it comes to care and cultivation, Walker’s Low and Junior Walker share the same growing requirements:

• Hardiness – Both are winter hardy in zones 3-8 and can withstand cold temperatures.

• Sun – They need full sun for optimal flowering and healthy growth. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal.

• Soil – Average, well-draining soil is sufficient. Catmint tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils.

• Water – Low water needs make catmint drought tolerant. Once established, they only need occasional watering during extended dry periods.

• Maintenance – Simple care is one benefit of catmint. Little fertilization or pruning is required. Shearing plants by 1/3 after the initial flush of blooms encourages reblooming.

Key Differences Between Junior Walker and Walker’s Low

To summarize the major differences:

• Plant height – Walker’s Low reaches 18-24 inches tall while Junior Walker only grows 12-18 inches high.

• Spread – Walker’s Low spreads 1-2 feet wide. Junior Walker is wider, spreading up to 2 1/2 feet across.

• Growth habit – Walker’s Low has an upright, mounding form while Junior Walker grows in a low, spreading habit.

• Ornamental value – Walker’s Low offers a more refined, delicate ornamental look.

• Best uses – Walker’s Low suits borders and beds. Junior Walker is better for edging, groundcovers, and containers.

Tips for Choosing the Right Catmint

When deciding between Walker’s Low and Junior Walker catmint, keep these tips in mind:

• If you want an ornamental plant for borders or formal gardens, go with Walker’s Low for its height and delicate appearance.

• For a compact, tough ground cover or edging, Junior Walker is the better choice.

• Container gardeners can use either one successfully, but Junior Walker will spill attractively over the edges.

• If you need drought tolerance and pollinator appeal in a small space like a rock garden, choose Junior Walker.

• For cottage gardens and other informal designs, Junior Walker blends in seamlessly.

• In poorly drained or clay soils, Walker’s Low may be a better choice than Junior Walker.

The Benefits of Growing Catmint

No matter which catmint you choose for your garden, both Walker’s Low and Junior Walker offer years of easy care and ample rewards for gardeners. Benefits include:

• Long bloom period from late spring to early fall.

• Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

• Deer resistant and rabbit resistant.

• Tolerates drought, heat, humidity, and poor soils.

• Low maintenance perennial with minimal pruning or fertilizing needed.

• Delicate ornamental foliage adds texture and interest.

• Excellent for borders, beds, containers, and pollinator and butterfly gardens.

• Can be used as a ground cover or edging plant.

Caring for Catmint in the Garden

Catmint is one of the easiest perennials to grow, but proper care will keep your plants healthy and flowering freely:

• Choose a site with full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid wet, poorly drained areas.

• Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Junior Walker spreads wider and may need more space.

• Water new plantings regularly until established. Mature plants are quite drought tolerant.

• Shear plants by 1/3 after the first flush of flowers to promote reblooming.

• Divide congested catmint clumps in spring every 3-4 years to rejuvenate.

• Watch for powdery mildew and remove affected foliage promptly. Provide good air circulation.

• Cut plants back to the ground in late fall or leave foliage for winter interest.

Adding Catmint to Your Garden

The aromatic foliage, long lasting lavender blooms, and pollinator appeal make catmint a must for many gardens. Both Walker’s Low and Junior Walker offer easy care along with beauty. Choose Walker’s Low when you want a refined ornamental plant, and go with Junior Walker for a tough, compact ground cover. With simple care, catmint will thrive and enhance your landscape for years to come.