Purrsian Blue Catmint vs. Walker’s Low: How Do These Popular Varieties Compare?

Catmints are classic perennial plants that deserve a spot in any garden. Two of the most popular varieties are Purrsian Blue catmint and Walker’s Low catmint. But how exactly do these two garden favorites compare?

In this in-depth guide, we’ll examine the key differences and similarities between Purrsian Blue and Walker’s Low catmint to help you determine which one may be better for your landscape.

Overview of Purrsian Blue and Walker’s Low Catmints

First let’s briefly introduce these two star catmint varieties

Purrsian Blue – A compact catmint cultivar that produces masses of vibrant blue-purple flowers on dark green foliage from late spring through summer. It maintains a tidy 12-18 inch height.

Walker’s Low – The most commonly grown catmint variety, with light blue-lavender blooms on silver-green foliage. It has a low mounded form, reaching 10-12 inches tall

Both are types of Nepeta, hardy in zones 3-8, and require minimal care in the garden. They thrive in full sun to part shade and bloom best in average, well-draining soil.

Now let’s delve into the specifics on how they differ.

Flower Color and Blooming Habit

One of the most noticeable differences between Purrsian Blue and Walker’s Low catmint is the flower color.

Purrsian Blue catmint flowers are a darker, vivid blue-violet shade. They bloom heavily in spring and will continue producing flowers intermittently into the summer and sometimes even early fall with proper pruning.

Walker’s Low catmint has lighter lavender-blue flower spikes that tend to bloom most prolifically in late spring and early summer. Blooms taper off in peak summer heat but may resume in fall if cut back.

So Purrsian Blue offers richer blue blooms over a longer season, while Walker’s Low produces lighter blue flowers primarily in spring and fall.

Plant Size and Habit

In terms of size and growth habit, there are also some notable differences:

• Purrsian Blue catmint grows wider than it is tall, with a bushy habit reaching 12-18 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide.

• Walker’s Low catmint is low and mounding in form, maintaining a tidy height of 8-12 inches and 12-24 inch spread.

So Purrsian Blue is slightly larger overall than the more compact, ground-hugging Walker’s Low. It has a fuller, bushier growth habit.

Ornamental Foliage

The foliage also provides some ornamental interest on both plants:

• Purrsian Blue has very dark green, clean-looking leaves that showcase the colorful blooms.

• Walker’s Low foliage is a soft gray-green color with finely textured leaves that contrast nicely with its pastel flower spikes.

The darker green leaves of Purrsian Blue tend to disappear behind the heavier flower display, while Walker’s Low lighter foliage remains visible as a backdrop to the blooms.

Resistance to Pests and Disease

As typical of the species, both Purrsian Blue and Walker’s Low catmint have excellent resistance to pests, disease, drought, heat, and deer.

However, Purrsian Blue may be slightly more susceptible to powdery mildew than Walker’s Low. Providing good air circulation can help prevent mildew issues.

Usage in the Landscape

When it comes to using these plants in the garden, there are a few key points:

• Purrsian Blue makes a bolder statement and larger focal point, good for mid-border placements.

• Walker’s Low mixes in more discretely along borders and pathways as a low filler around other plants.

• Both work very well in pollinator and herb gardens, rock gardens, and containers.

• Mass planting creates a gorgeous groundcover effect to showcase their flowers.

• They combine beautifully with many other perennials like salvia, yarrow, coreopsis, and ornamental grasses.

Ongoing Maintenance Needs

Once established, both Purrsian Blue and Walker’s Low catmint need very little maintenance:

• Remove spent flower stems after initial bloom cycle ends to encourage reblooming.

• Clip plants back by 1/3 to 1/2 in midsummer to refresh growth.

• Divide congested plants in spring every 3-5 years as needed.

• Minimal watering, fertilizing, or other care required once planted.

So maintenance is easy for both! Deadheading, light pruning, and occasional dividing will keep them looking their best year after year.

Availability and Cost

Since Walker’s Low is the classic, go-to catmint variety, it tends to be more widely available and affordable at most garden centers and nurseries. Purrsian Blue may take a bit more sourcing to find at local retailers or online.

Walker’s Low typically costs $10-15 for a 1 gallon pot, making it an easy, budget-friendly option. Purrsian Blue ranges from $12-18 per plant in a 1 gallon container.

Key Differences Summarized

To recap the main differences:

• Flower color: Purrsian Blue has richer royal blue blooms, while Walker’s Low has lighter lavender-blue flowers.

• Bloom time: Purrsian Blue blooms heavier in spring with repeat flowers into fall after pruning. Walker’s Low peaks in late spring.

• Plant size: Purrsian Blue is larger overall at 12-18 inches tall, compared to the lower 8-12 inch height of Walker’s Low.

• Foliage: Purrsian Blue has very dark green leaves. Walker’s Low has soft gray-green foliage.

• Powdery mildew: Purrsian Blue is slightly more prone to powdery mildew than Walker’s Low.

• Landscape uses: Purrsian Blue makes a bolder focal point. Walker’s Low works better as a subtle groundcover.

• Availability: Walker’s Low is easier to source locally than Purrsian Blue.

Which Catmint is Right for You?

When choosing between these two catmint stars, consider your specific needs:

• If you want vivid royal blue blooms and larger presence from your catmint, go with Purrsian Blue.

• For a more delicate, pastel look on a lower, filler plant, Walker’s Low is ideal.

• Use Purrsian Blue singly as a focal point or massed as a bold groundcover.

• Walker’s Low is perfect mixed into borders or edging pathways discreetly.

• Allow enough space for Purrsian Blue’s wider spread compared to Walker’s Low’s tidier form.