Junior Walker™ Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii ‘Novanepjun’) is a compact, long-blooming perennial prized for its soft gray-green foliage and abundant lavender-blue flowers. Growing approximately 15-18 inches tall and 24-30 inches wide, it forms a low, spreading mound that provides excellent color and texture without becoming overly large.
Lavender-blue flower spikes appear from late spring into summer, creating a long-lasting display that attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Lightly trimming the plant after its initial flush of flowers can encourage fresh growth and additional blooming later in the season.
Junior Walker is an excellent choice for perennial borders, foundation plantings, edging, walkways, mass plantings, cottage gardens, rock gardens, or as a colorful groundcover. Once established, it is highly tolerant of heat and drought and performs particularly well in sunny, well-drained locations.
More About Junior Walker Catmint
- Low Maintenance
- Moderate Growing
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Long Blooming
- Lavender-Blue Flowers
- Fragrant Foliage
- Drought Tolerant Once Established
- Heat Tolerant
- Perennial Border, Edging, Walkway, Mass Planting, Cottage Garden, Rock Garden, Groundcover
- Compact, Spreading Habit
- Attracts Bees & Butterflies
- Pollinator Friendly
- Deer Resistant
- Rabbit Resistant
Height: 15-18 Inches
Spread: 24-30 Inches
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Characteristics
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun
- Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Soil Moisture: Dry to Average, Well Draining
- Attributes: Compact, Mounding, Spreading, Fragrant, Long Blooming
- Foliage Color: Gray-Green
- Flower Color: Lavender Blue
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun for the densest growth and heaviest flowering. Junior Walker can tolerate some light shade, but excessive shade may result in looser growth and fewer flowers. It performs best in well-drained soil and is an excellent choice for hot, dry areas once established.
Watering:
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Junior Walker is drought tolerant and generally requires supplemental watering only during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. Avoid consistently wet or poorly drained soil.
Fertilizing:
Very little fertilizer is required. If needed, apply a light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can encourage floppy growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning:
Shear or cut the plant back lightly after the first major flush of flowers to encourage fresh foliage and additional blooms. Cut old growth back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
