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For gardeners who need a sprawling, fragrant ground cover that blooms for months without demanding constant deadheading, the right catmint variety can mean the difference between a tidy border and a leggy mess. The classic ‘Walker’s Low’ offers dense gray-green foliage and deep lavender flower spikes that soften walkways and repel deer, but not every retailer delivers a plant that lives up to the name.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I compare nursery stock lists, study USDA hardiness data, and analyze aggregated owner feedback to identify which live perennials actually match their descriptions once they hit your soil.
This guide breaks down the top live plants for the catmint nepeta walker’s low category, focusing on root development, bloom maturity at shipment, and packaging quality so you can order with confidence.
How To Choose The Best Catmint Nepeta Walker’s Low
Buying a live perennial online comes with risks that seed packets don’t: root-bound containers, dormant plants that look dead on arrival, and misidentified varieties that stretch instead of staying compact. ‘Walker’s Low’ is a specific Nepeta faassenii cultivar — not just any blue-flowering catmint — so knowing what to verify before you click “add to cart” saves you a full season of disappointment. Below are the three most important checks to run on any listing.
Verify the Container Size, Not Just the Claimed Variety
Many sellers label their plants as “Walker’s Low” but ship them in pint-sized pots with immature root systems. A true #1 container holds roughly one gallon of soil and supports a plant that is 6–14 inches tall and at least one year old. Quart containers (0.25 gallons) produce smaller plants that require a full extra season to reach the 24–30 inch height typical of this cultivar. If the listing omits the actual pot volume, expect a smaller specimen than you’d find at a local nursery.
Match Your Zone to the Plant’s True Hardiness Range
Authentic Nepeta faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’ is reliably hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. Some sellers market it for zones 3 through 10, but consistent winter survival below zone 5 is not guaranteed without heavy mulching. If you live in zone 4 or colder, look for listings that explicitly state they are field-tested in your area or buy early enough in spring so the plant can establish before first frost. Buyers in zones 8 and above should confirm the seller ships to non-restricted states — California, Arizona, and parts of the Pacific Northwest have agricultural restrictions on this variety.
Check the Available Bloom Size at Shipment, Not Just the Label Image
Stock photos show mature plants in full flower, but what arrives is often a young cutting with a single bloom spike or just foliage. Read recent reviews for photos of actual received plants. A good listing will state the plant height at shipment (typically 4–10 inches for a healthy starter) and confirm whether it is actively flowering or dormant. Dormant plants shipped between November and March are normal and will break dormancy in spring, but they do not provide instant garden impact. If you need immediate color, select a listing that ships actively growing stock during the warmer months.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perennial Farm ‘Walker’s Low’ | Premium | True cultivar ID & mature size | #1 container (1 gal) | Amazon |
| Proven Winners Cat’s Meow | Mid-Range | Compact habit + fertilizer | 0.65 gal container | Amazon |
| Clovers Garden Twin Pack | Mid-Range | Two plants for coverage | 4–8″ tall in 4″ pots | Amazon |
| Winter Greenhouse Cat’s Pajamas | Premium | Disease resistance & small habit | Container: 4.5″ (young) | Amazon |
| Greenwood Nursery Twin Pint | Budget | Two plants on a budget | 2X pint pots (2×0.125 gal) | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perennial Farm Marketplace ‘Walker’s Low’ Catmint
This is the listing that matches the authentic ‘Walker’s Low’ cultivar — the 2007 Perennial of the Year — in a genuine #1 container (one gallon), not a quart or pint. The deep lavender flowers rise on 24–30 inch spikes above fragrant gray-green leaves, and the plant is fully rooted in the pot, meaning it can go straight into well-drained soil after shipping. Buyers confirm healthy green arrival and strong establishment, though the seller restricts shipment to zones 5–9 and cannot ship to several western states due to agricultural regulations.
What separates this plant from generic catmint is its specific provenance: it is Nepeta faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’, not a look-alike hybrid. The fragrance is released when brushed, making it ideal for pathway edging. Multiple verified reviews note that cats tend to leave it alone, unlike true catnip. It is also highly deer resistant, which owners of suburban gardens with browsing pressure specifically mention as a deciding factor.
One caveat: a few buyers reported receiving a quart container instead of the advertised #1 size, which suggests occasional fulfillment errors. The plant also arrives in seasonal condition — dormant and trimmed if shipped between November and March — so first-time online plant buyers may be surprised by a brown stick in winter. For anyone who wants the real ‘Walker’s Low’ cultivar in a proper gallon pot, this is the most reliable option available.
What works
- Authentic cultivar in a true #1 container, not a smaller substitute
- Deer resistant and highly fragrant foliage that releases when brushed
- Fully rooted and ready for immediate planting after arrival
What doesn’t
- Cannot ship to AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, and HI
- Occasional reports of receiving a quart pot instead of the advertised gallon size
- Dormant appearance in winter months surprises buyers expecting foliage
2. Proven Winners Cat’s Meow Catmint
The Proven Winners Cat’s Meow is not a ‘Walker’s Low’, but it is a compact, blue-purple flowering catmint that stays under 20 inches tall and 18 inches wide — a tidy alternative for smaller borders or containers. The 0.65-gallon container is larger than a standard quart, and the plant arrives with a 2-ounce packet of controlled-release fertilizer that feeds it for six months. Verified buyers consistently describe the plants as healthy, well-packaged, and bushy with green foliage at shipment.
One distinct advantage is the brand’s extensive trialing process. Proven Winners tests for disease resistance, uniformity, and pollinator attraction, and this variety draws bees and hummingbirds reliably. Several owners note that even though the box arrived damaged, the plant inside was fine — a testament to secure packaging. The smell is described as a mix of mint and lemon, and it thrives in full sun with regular watering until established.
The main trade-off is size. This plant matures at roughly two-thirds the height of ‘Walker’s Low’, so it won’t create the same airy lavender veil over a pathway. Some buyers also feel the price is high relative to the container volume. If you need a true ‘Walker’s Low’ specimen, look to the Perennial Farm listing above. If you want a healthy, compact catmint that is ready to bloom its first season, this is the faster bet.
What works
- Compact habit perfect for containers and small-space gardens
- Comes with six months of controlled-release fertilizer included
- Extensive Proven Winners trialing for disease resistance
What doesn’t
- Shorter mature height — not a substitute for the tall ‘Walker’s Low’ form
- Price per gallon of soil is higher than traditional nursery stock
- Not specifically labeled as ‘Walker’s Low’ cultivar
3. Clovers Garden Twin Pack Catmint
This twin pack from Clovers Garden delivers two live catmint plants in 4-inch pots, each standing 4 to 8 inches tall at shipment. The variety is not specifically labeled as ‘Walker’s Low’, but the description matches classic Nepeta catmint with silvery-green foliage and blue-violet blossoms that pollinators love. It is non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free, and grown in the Midwest, with the seller claiming hardiness in all USDA zones. Verified buyers report healthy arrival, moist soil, and fast flowering — some saw blooms within a week of planting in full sun and drought conditions.
The key selling point is getting two plants for a similar price as one solo container. This allows you to create a small drift of color immediately rather than waiting for a single plant to spread. The plants also ship in eco-friendly, 100% recyclable boxes with a Quick Start Planting Guide included. Several five-star reviews mention that the plants outgrew their initial pot size within a month and established beautifully in the ground.
However, there is a real risk here. One verified buyer reported that the plant attracted their cat, which laid on it and ruined the shape, and the plant eventually died. Since this seller does not specify the exact cultivar, you may be getting a different Nepeta strain that appeals to felines more than ‘Walker’s Low’ typically does. The plants are also small at arrival — 4 to 8 inches — so they will need a full growing season to reach a decorative mature size.
What works
- Two plants in one purchase for faster area coverage
- Quick blooming — flowers within a week reported in warm conditions
- Eco-friendly packaging and included planting guide
What doesn’t
- Cultivar not specifically identified as ‘Walker’s Low’
- One report of plant dying after cat disturbance
- Small starter size requires patience for mature form
4. Winter Greenhouse Cat’s Pajamas Catmint
The Winter Greenhouse offering is a Proven Winners ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ catmint, a separate cultivar from ‘Walker’s Low’ that tops out at just 14 inches tall. It ships as a live plant in a 4.5-inch container at around 2–4 inches in height, meaning it is a young starter. The key advantage is the plant’s intense fragrance and long bloom window from spring through summer without deadheading needed. It is also extremely drought and deer resistant, and it thrives in zones 3–8.
Packaging is a standout feature. Multiple verified reviews highlight that the plant arrived well-protected, with instructions to keep it in the original pot for a few days to acclimate before transplanting. The seller, a small business in Wisconsin with over 40 years of greenhouse operation, uses biodegradable and recyclable materials. Buyers were particularly impressed that plants remained healthy even after three weeks in the ground during hot conditions.
The main drawbacks are the small initial size for the price and the fact that this is not a ‘Walker’s Low’ plant. Several customers felt the plant was “unimpressive” for its cost. Additionally, one reviewer’s plant was heavily damaged by a neighborhood cat the evening after planting — despite catmint generally being less attractive to cats than catnip, this cultivar still drew feline attention. If you need a true ‘Walker’s Low’ for a tall pathway border, this will not fit, but for a fragrant, carefree ground-level perennial, the genetics are top-tier.
What works
- Superior fragrance and no-deadheading bloom care
- Excellent packaging and acclimation instructions
- Proven Winners genetics with strong disease resistance
What doesn’t
- Not the ‘Walker’s Low’ cultivar — mature height is only 14 inches
- Very small at shipment (2–4 inches) for a premium price point
- One report of neighborhood cat damaging the plant
5. Greenwood Nursery Walker’s Low Twin Pint
Greenwood Nursery offers two ‘Walker’s Low’ plants in pint-sized pots — the most budget-friendly way to get the specific cultivar in a two-pack. The plants are described as fast-growing, reaching 2–3 feet at maturity with deep lavender-blue flowers. They are shipped bare-root or potted with craft paper protection, and the nursery backs them with a 14-day guarantee. Verified reviews for other plant types from this seller are positive, but the catmint-specific feedback is mixed.
One five-star review for a different plant confirms that the seller packs orders securely; the plants arrived healthy with moist soil even when the box was turned upside down. However, the three-star review for this specific catmint product tells a different story: one of three plants died within ten days despite irrigation, and another buyer felt the pint container was “very small and fragile” compared to local nursery stock. The guaranteed polite resolution process is a safety net, but it requires prompt communication and evidence.
The biggest risk here is that two small plants in separate pint pots will need an entire season to develop into substantial garden specimens. If you have the patience to nurture them through their first summer, the eventual reward is two clumps of authentic ‘Walker’s Low’ for a total cost that undercuts any single gallon-container offering. For those who want instant impact, the pint size is simply too small to provide it.
What works
- Two authentic ‘Walker’s Low’ plants for the lowest entry price
- 14-day guarantee with responsive customer service
- Careful packaging with moisture-retaining gel on bare-root plants
What doesn’t
- Very small starter size — requires patience to reach mature height
- Mixed survival rate reported by customers
- Pint containers significantly smaller than local nursery gallon pots
Hardware & Specs Guide
Container Volume and Plant Age
The most reliable ‘Walker’s Low’ plants ship in #1 (one-gallon) containers with a fully established root system. A one-year-old plant in a gallon pot can be planted immediately and will reach its 24–30 inch mature height within that same growing season. Quart or pint containers (0.25 and 0.125 gallons respectively) hold younger cuttings that are 2–8 inches tall and require an extra full season of growth before they match the size and bloom output of a gallon plant. Always check the container volume in the listing specifications — if it is not stated, assume a smaller pot than advertised.
Hardiness Zone Confirmation
Authentic Nepeta faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’ is reliably winter hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. Some sellers claim broader hardiness (zones 3–10 or “all US zones”) to increase their addressable market, but survival below zone 5 requires heavy winter mulching and may not be consistent year after year. Above zone 9, the plant may struggle with heat and humidity unless given afternoon shade. Agricultural shipping restrictions also apply — California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and several other western states prohibit this variety due to invasive potential or pest concerns. Confirm both your zone and state eligibility before ordering.
Bloom Performance and Rebloom Strategy
The hallmark of ‘Walker’s Low’ is its ability to produce a second flush of flowers after the initial June–July bloom period, if you shear back the spent flower spikes by about half. This pruning practice also refreshes the gray-green foliage, keeping the plant looking tidy through late summer. Without shearing, the plant will still bloom sporadically but will develop a looser, more open habit. The deep lavender flowers are tubular and highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while remaining deer-resistant due to the aromatic essential oils in the leaves.
Soil and Moisture Requirements
‘Walker’s Low’ is extremely drought-tolerant once established, but it absolutely requires well-drained soil. Standing water or heavy clay causes root rot within a matter of weeks. Sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH is ideal. During the first growing season, water deeply once per week if there is no rainfall. After that, the plant can thrive with little to no supplemental water in most climates. Over-fertilizing is counterproductive — too much nitrogen produces lush foliage at the expense of flower production. A single spring application of a balanced slow-release fertilizer is sufficient.
FAQ
Is Walker’s Low catmint actually low growing or is it a marketing name?
Will my cat eat my Walker’s Low catmint plants?
Can I grow Walker’s Low catmint in a container or does it need the ground?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the catmint nepeta walker’s low winner is the Perennial Farm Marketplace ‘Walker’s Low’ because it delivers the authentic cultivar in a true #1 container, giving you a mature, fully rooted plant that will bloom the same season it goes into the ground. If you prefer a compact, container-friendly catmint that requires zero deadheading, grab the Winter Greenhouse Cat’s Pajamas. And for budget-conscious gardeners who are willing to nurture starter plants, nothing beats the value of the Greenwood Nursery Twin Pint two-pack of genuine ‘Walker’s Low’.