Botanical Name: Nepeta × faassenii ‘Junior Walker™’

Common Name: Catmint

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 4–9)

Size: 18–24" Tall × 24–36" Spread

Growth Habit: Mounding, Spreading, Softly Upright Perennial

Sunlight: Full Sun (Tolerates Light Shade)

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor or Rocky Soils

Water Needs: Low Once Established; Drought Tolerant

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Summer (Reblooms if Sheared)

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Lavender-Blue Flowers, Aromatic Gray-Green Foliage, Heat & Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant

Uses: Borders, Pollinator Gardens, Edging, Mass Plantings, Cottage Gardens

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Nepeta (Catmint) Plant Guide for full care details.

More About Nepeta ‘Junior Walker’

Nepeta ‘Junior Walker’ delivers all the charm of traditional Catmint in a more compact, garden-friendly package. This improved selection forms a dense mound of fragrant gray-green foliage topped with abundant spikes of lavender-blue flowers that begin appearing in late Spring and continue through much of Summer. The soft color blends effortlessly with a wide range of perennials, shrubs, and roses, making it one of the most versatile plants for sunny landscapes.

Its naturally rounded habit creates a relaxed, flowing appearance that softens hard edges along pathways, borders, and garden beds. Like other Catmints, ‘Junior Walker’ attracts pollinators in large numbers while remaining highly resistant to deer and rabbits. A light trim after the initial flush of blooms encourages fresh growth and a second wave of flowers, helping maintain an attractive display for months.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Junior Walker’ has consistently impressed us with its durability and low-maintenance performance. Even during periods of intense Summer heat and occasional drought, plants continue blooming and maintain attractive foliage with minimal supplemental care. Unlike some larger Catmint varieties, it rarely sprawls or develops an untidy appearance as the season progresses.

We also appreciate how easily this variety fits into a wide range of garden designs. Its moderate size allows it to be used in smaller perennial beds, foundation plantings, and mixed borders where larger catmints can become overwhelming. The steady pollinator activity, extended bloom season, and dependable habit make ‘Junior Walker’ one of the most useful and reliable Nepeta varieties we grow.

Junior Walker™ vs. Other Catmint Varieties

Compared to Walker’s Low Nepeta, Junior Walker™ offers a slightly shorter, denser habit with similar flower color and bloom duration. When compared to taller nepeta varieties, it provides better control and less sprawl, while still delivering excellent pollinator value. Bees and butterflies are frequent visitors, and deer typically avoid the aromatic foliage. For gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, long-blooming perennial with refined proportions, Nepeta ‘Junior Walker’ is an excellent choice.