Overview
Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Nepeta, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds. It is native to Caucasus region.
About
Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' is a bushy, deciduous herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae family, native to the Caucasus region. This catmint cultivar grows to between 0.1 and 0.5 metres in height and spread, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in well-drained chalk, loam, or sand soils with a pH ranging from acid to alkaline, preferring full sun to partial shade in exposed or sheltered positions. 'Walker's Low' is aromatic with a minty, slightly floral fragrance and is valued for its summer and autumn interest, making it suitable for wildlife gardens, cottage gardens, and flower borders.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nepeta racemosa
About the genus
Nepeta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. The genus name, from Latin nepeta (“catnip”), is reportedly in reference to Nepete, an ancient Etruscan city. There are 295 accepted species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Nepeta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nepeta
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nepeta
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Caucasus region
- Fragrance
- Aromatic, minty, slightly floral
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Pruning
- Cut back hard after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring or autumn, Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.
Where is the best place to plant Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low'?
Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' need?
Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low'?
Cut back hard after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
How big does Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' grow?
Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' hardy in the UK?
Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low'?
Seed, Division in spring or autumn, Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn.
More in the Nepeta genus
- Nepetacatmint
- Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'catmint 'Six Hills Giant'
- Nepeta Grandiflora
- Nepeta govanianacatmint
- Nepeta grandiflora 'Dawn to Dusk'
- Nepeta racemosa 'Superba'Dwarf Catnip
- Nepeta × faassenii 'Blue Dwarf' ('Blauknirps')Blue Dwarf Catmint
- Nepeta × faassenii 'Variegata'Variegated Catmint