Catmints are classical perennial works that merit a spot in any garden . Two of the most democratic varieties are Purrsian Blue catmint and Walker ’s Low catmint . But how on the nose do these two garden favorites liken ?
In this in - deepness guide , we ’ll try out the primal differences and similarities between Purrsian Blue and Walker ’s Low catmint to help you specify which one may be good for your landscape .
Overview of Purrsian Blue and Walker’s Low Catmints
First lease ’s briefly introduce these two star catmint varieties
Purrsian Blue – A compact catmint cultivar that produces masses of vibrant blue - purple blossom on dark green foliage from later spring through summer . It asseverate a tidy 12 - 18 inch peak .
Walker ’s Low – The most unremarkably grown catmint variety , with loose blue - lavender bloom on silver-tongued - green foliage . It has a crushed mounded word form , hit 10 - 12 inches tall
Both are types of Nepeta , hardy in zones 3 - 8 , and require minimal attention in the garden . They prosper in full sun to part shade and bloom dear in mean , well - draining soil .
Now permit ’s delve into the specific on how they differ .
Flower Color and Blooming Habit
One of the most noticeable differences between Purrsian Blue and Walker ’s humbled Nepeta cataria is the blossom color .
Purrsian Bluecatmint heyday are a darker , lifelike risque - violet wraith . They bloom heavily in spring and will continue producing flush intermittently into the summertime and sometimes even early fall with proper pruning .
Walker ’s Lowcatmint has light lavender - blue efflorescence spike that tend to bloom most prolifically in late spring and other summer . Blooms point off in peak summer estrus but may resume in fall if cut back .
So Purrsian Blue offers rich blue blooms over a long time of year , while Walker ’s Low produces lighter blue blossom primarily in leap and dip .
Plant Size and Habit
In terms of size and growth habit , there are also some notable difference :
Purrsian Bluecatmint grow wider than it is tall , with a shaggy-haired habit reaching12 - 18 inches talland 18 - 24 inch wide .
Walker ’s Lowcatmint is low and mounding in mannequin , maintaining a tidyheight of 8 - 12 inchesand 12 - 24 inch spread .
So Purrsian Blue is slenderly larger overall than the more heavyset , land - squeeze Walker ’s Low . It has a fuller , bushier growth use .
Ornamental Foliage
The foliage also ply some ornamental interest on both plant :
Purrsian Bluehas very dark greenish , clean - looking leaves that showcase the coloured blooms .
Walker ’s Lowfoliage is a soft grey - light-green colour with finely textured leave of absence that counterpoint nicely with its pastel bloom spikes .
The sorry green leave of absence of Purrsian Blue tend to disappear behind the leaden flower showing , while Walker ’s grim lighter foliage remains visible as a backcloth to the blooms .
Resistance to Pests and Disease
As typical of the species , both Purrsian Blue and Walker ’s Low catnip have excellent resistance to pests , disease , drouth , estrus , and deer .
However , Purrsian Bluemay be slenderly more susceptible topowdery mildewthan Walker ’s Low . Providing good tune circulation can help prevent mould issues .
Usage in the Landscape
When it comes to using these plant in the garden , there are a few key tip :
Purrsian Bluemakes a bolder statement and larger focal distributor point , beneficial for mid - border locating .
Walker ’s Lowmixes in more discretely along mete and nerve pathway as a low filler around other plants .
Both work very well in pollinator and herb gardens , John Rock garden , and containers .
Mass planting creates a gorgeous groundcover result to showcase their flush .
They combine attractively with many other perennial like salvia , yarrow , tickseed , and ornamental grass .
Ongoing Maintenance Needs
Once give , both Purrsian Blue and Walker ’s Low catmint need very piffling sustainment :
Remove pass flower stanch after initial bloom cycle per second ends to promote reblooming .
cartridge holder plants back by 1/3 to 1/2 in midsummer to freshen growth .
Divide congested plants in spring every 3 - 5 years as needed .
Minimal watering , fertilizing , or other care involve once set .
So criminal maintenance is easy for both ! Deadheading , tripping 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 assortment , it incline to be more widely available and affordable at most garden centers and nursery . Purrsian Bluemay take a act more sourcing to retrieve at local retailers or online .
Walker ’s Low typically costs $ 10 - 15 for a 1 congius pot , making it an easy , budget - friendly selection . Purrsian Blue ranges from $ 12 - 18 per plantin a 1 gallon container .
Key Differences Summarized
To recapitulate the primary differences :
Flower color : Purrsian Blue has deep royal blue blooms , while Walker ’s Low has light lavender - dark efflorescence .
Bloom time : Purrsian Blue flower heavier in natural spring with repeat flush into crepuscle after pruning . Walker ’s Low peaks in late spring .
works size of it : Purrsian Blue is big overall at 12 - 18 inches grandiloquent , compare to the lower 8 - 12 inch elevation of Walker ’s Low .
foliation : Purrsian Blue has very coloured green leaves . Walker ’s Low has cushy hoar - green foliage .
Powdery mildew : Purrsian Blue is slenderly more prone to powdery mould than Walker ’s Low .
Landscape uses : Purrsian Blue makes a bolder focal point . Walker ’s Low work better as a subtle ground cover .
Availability : Walker ’s Low is well-situated to source locally than Purrsian Blue .
Which Catmint is Right for You?
When choosing between these two catmint hotshot , take your specific penury :
If you want vivid royal blue blooms and big presence from your catnip , go withPurrsian Blue .
For a more ticklish , pastel look on a miserable , filler plant life , Walker ’s Lowis ideal .
UsePurrsian Bluesingly as a focal full stop or mass as a sheer groundcover .
Walker ’s Lowis perfect mix into molding or edging pathway discreetly .
Allow enough space for Purrsian Blue ’s wider spread compared to Walker ’s Low ’s sizable variant .
Classic and new varieties
There are a lot of named species and hybrids of these plants to opt from . For representative , “ Walker ’s Low ” catnip ; × faassenii ‘ Walker ’s Low ’ , Zones 4–8 ) or ‘ Six Hills Giant ’ catmint ( N. ‘ Six Hills Giant ’ , zona 4–8 ) . For a more late introduction , turn to ‘ Cat ’s Pajamas ’ catmint ( N. ‘ Cat ’s Pajamas ’ , Zones 4–8 ) , which forms flowers nearly all to the ground . Its litter mate ‘ Cat ’s Meow ’ catmint ( N. × faassenii ‘ Cat ’s Meow ’ , Zones 4–8 ) is just as impactful when used in massed planting .
These classic and underused varieties bloom all season long and have few care requirements
Few perennials are as hardworking as catmints ( Nepeta spp . and cvs . , Zones 4–8 ) , which are sometimes also phone catnips . Some gardeners might believe that professional landscape graphic designer expend them too much , but there ’s a good reason for that : they wait good and work well for almost the whole growing time of year . What might surprise you , though , is that the genus has a lot of different coinage and potpourri that you’re able to grow in your garden . Here are a few of the most common catmints , as well as a yoke of the lesser - known species .
discover more :
For the Chicago Botanic Garden ’s plant test on catnip , click here . And for more northeasterly regional reports , click here .
As mint relatives , catmint all have some thing that make them different , like square stem turn and leaves that smell in some way . These smell can be anything from clean and minty to mouldy and skunky or just something a cat would eff . Yet with so many species available , there is a catmint for nearly everyone . Catmints are overperformers . They bloom in leaping , through midsummer , and often , if burn back , until fall .
What is the Difference Between the Different Nepetas (Catmint)
FAQ
What variety of catmint is the best ?
Is Nepeta Mussinii the same as Walkers Low ?
Does Walker ’s low catmint flop ?
What are the disadvantages of Nepeta cataria ?
