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

Catmint, also known as catnip, is a popular perennial plant known for its fragrant foliage and ability to attract cats. Two of the most popular catmint varieties are Junior Walker and Walker’s Low. While they share the signature gray-green aromatic leaves and spikes of lavender-blue flowers, there are some key differences between these two Nepeta cultivars.

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 known for being drought tolerant, low maintenance, and deer resistant The flowers, which typically bloom from late spring through fall, are magnets for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Walker’s Low grows taller, reaching 18-24 inches in height and spreading 24 inches wide It has an upright, mounding habit and delicate-looking grayish green foliage Junior Walker is more petite and compact, growing just 12-18 inches tall but spreading wider to 30 inches across. It has a low, spreading habit with the same aromatic, gray-green leaves as its Walker’s Low cousin.

Ideal Uses for Each Variety

The differences in size and habit make Walker’s Low and Junior Walker suited for slightly different uses:

• Walker’s Low is excellent as a refined ornamental plant. Its taller height and delicate appearance make it ideal for perennial borders, pollinator gardens, and inclusion in mixed container plantings. The upright shape also works well in formal garden designs.

• Junior Walker shines in more compact spaces. Its diminutive size makes it a perfect edging plant, ground cover, rock garden plant, and addition to containers on decks and patios. Junior Walker can also handle some foot traffic.

Growing Conditions

Walker’s Low and Junior Walker share the same easygoing growing preferences:

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

• Sun – They need full sun for the best growth and maximum flowers. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day is ideal.

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

• Water – Once established, both are very drought tolerant. They need occasional watering during prolonged dry spells but do fine with minimal summer irrigation.

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

Key Differences Between the Varieties

To summarize the main differences:

• Plant height – Walker’s Low grows 18-24 inches tall; Junior Walker reaches just 12-18 inches.

• Spread – Walker’s Low spreads 1-2 feet; Junior Walker spreads up to 2 1/2 feet across.

• Growth habit – Walker’s Low has an upright, mounding form. Junior Walker is low and spreading.

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

• Best uses – Walker’s Low suits borders and beds; Junior Walker is ideal for edging, ground covers, and containers.

Choosing the Right Catmint

When deciding between Walker’s Low and Junior Walker catmint, consider your garden conditions and needs:

• If you want refined, delicate foliage for borders or formal beds, go with Walker’s Low.

• For a tough, compact ground cover or edging, choose Junior Walker.

• If you need draught tolerance and pollinator appeal in a small space like a rock garden, Junior Walker is the better fit.

• Container gardeners can use either variety successfully, but Junior Walker will spill nicely over edges.

No matter which you choose, both Walker’s Low and Junior Walker offer years of easy growing pleasure with their aromatic gray foliage and waves of pollinator-friendly blooms. They require minimal care and provide maximum rewards for gardeners. Adding one of these catmint varieties is sure to delight both you and the felines in your life!