A drought-tolerant plant requiring minimal maintenance.
Catmint – Nepeta faassenii ‘Walker’s Blue’ is a hardy, long-flowering perennial prized for its soft lavender-blue flower spikes and aromatic grey-green foliage. Despite the name, the flowers are more lavender-purple than true blue, creating a gentle haze of colour from late spring through summer.
This compact, mounding plant is perfect for border edging, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and mass planting, offering months of colour with minimal maintenance. Its drought tolerance and resilience make it especially well-suited to Melbourne and other temperate Australian climates.
Plant Specifications Chart
| Feature |
Details |
| Botanical Name |
Nepeta faassenii ‘Walker’s Blue’ |
| Common Name |
Walker’s Blue Catmint |
| Plant Type |
Herbaceous perennial |
| Mature Height |
45 – 60 cm |
| Mature Width |
60 – 90 cm |
| Growth Habit |
Low, spreading, mounding |
| Flower Colour |
Lavender-blue |
| Flowering Season |
Late spring to early autumn |
| Foliage |
Aromatic grey-green |
| Light Requirements |
Full sun |
| Soil Type |
Well-drained soil |
| Drought Tolerance |
High once established |
| Maintenance |
Very low |
Why Choose Walker’s Blue?
| Benefit |
Garden Advantage |
| Long flowering period |
Colour for months |
| Drought tolerant |
Ideal for low-water gardens |
| Pollinator friendly |
Attracts bees and beneficial insects |
| Soft border plant |
Blends beautifully with roses & grasses |
| Low maintenance |
Minimal pruning required |
Ideal Growing Conditions (Melbourne & Temperate Climates)
Position
Thrives in full sun. More sun encourages stronger flowering and compact growth.
Soil
Prefers well-drained soil. Avoid heavy, waterlogged areas.
Watering
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions very well.
Feeding
Generally does not require heavy feeding. A light spring fertiliser can encourage vigorous growth.
Pruning
Cut back by one-third after the first major flowering flush to encourage repeat blooms and maintain a tidy shape.
Spacing Guide
| Purpose |
Suggested Spacing |
| Border edging |
50 – 60 cm apart |
| Mass planting |
45 – 60 cm apart |
| Feature clumps |
Single planting |
| Cottage garden mix |
Interplant with roses & salvias |
Seasonal Care Chart
| Season |
Care |
| Spring |
New growth emerges, light fertilise |
| Summer |
Shear lightly after flowering to encourage repeat blooms |
| Autumn |
Final trim if needed |
| Winter |
Dormant; minimal care required |
Landscaping Uses
-
Cottage-style gardens
-
Border edging along paths
-
Underplanting for roses
-
Pollinator-friendly gardens
-
Drought-tolerant landscapes
-
Softening hardscapes and retaining walls
Add soft, long-lasting colour to your garden with Nepeta faassenii ‘Walker’s Blue’, a hardy perennial known for its lavender-blue flower spikes and aromatic grey-green foliage. Flowering from late spring through summer, this drought-tolerant plant creates a relaxed, cottage-garden feel while requiring minimal maintenance.
Ideal for borders, edging, and mass planting, Walker’s Blue thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfectly suited to Melbourne gardens and low-water landscapes. Its spreading, mounding habit provides excellent ground coverage while attracting pollinators throughout the flowering season.
For gardeners seeking a reliable, easy-care perennial with extended colour impact, Walker’s Blue Catmint is a standout choice.
