Junior Walker Catmint

Junior Walker Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii 'Novanepjun')

Junior Walker Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii 'Novanepjun') is a compact, sun-loving perennial grown for its aromatic gray-green foliage and its long season of lavender-blue flowers that bring reliable color to borders without the sprawl of larger catmints. It forms a tidy, mounding clump that stays lower and more controlled than classic selections, making it easier to use at the front of beds, along paths, and in smaller landscape spaces. Bloom begins in late spring and often continues through summer, especially when the plant is trimmed after the first heavy flush. With its neat habit and repeat flowering, Junior Walker Catmint makes an excellent focal point when you want a clean ribbon of blue that looks intentional all season.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the compact, well-behaved growth, which helps borders stay crisp while still delivering the soft, airy bloom effect catmint is known for. Leaves are lightly fuzzy, aromatic, and gray-green, adding a calm, silvery tone that pairs easily with nearly any palette. Flower spikes are lavender-blue and highly attractive to pollinators, keeping beds active through the bloom window. Junior Walker performs best in well-drained soil and typically looks its best when sheared back after the first flush to refresh foliage and encourage repeat flowering.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun is best; tolerates light shade but flowering is usually stronger with more sun.
• Soil: Well-drained soil; performs best in average to lean soils and does not like wet feet.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8.
• Habit: Compact, mounding perennial with airy flower spikes.
• Mature Size: About 12 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a compact blue accent where you want steady bloom without a plant that overwhelms nearby perennials.
• Border Edging: Creates a clean, repeatable line along walks, patios, and perennial borders.
• Foundation Planting: Adds long-blooming color and soft foliage texture without looking messy or oversized.
• Pollinator Plantings: Supports bees and beneficial insects during a long flowering season.
• Companion Planting: Pairs well with roses, salvias, echinacea, rudbeckia, and ornamental grasses for an easy, cohesive look.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly watered during the first growing season; after that, water only during prolonged drought.
• Shearing: Trim back after the first heavy bloom to encourage fresh growth and repeat flowering.
• Soil Management: Avoid rich, constantly wet soils, which can reduce flowering and cause decline.
• Fertilizing: Usually not needed; a light spring feeding is enough in poor soils.
• Spacing: Provide airflow to help foliage stay clean in humid weather.
• Dividing: Divide every few years if plants become woody or less vigorous.

Why Choose Junior Walker Catmint?

• Compact Habit: Stays tidy and controlled for smaller beds, edging, and front-of-border use.
• Long Bloom Season: Lavender-blue flowers provide weeks of color with repeat bloom potential after shearing.
• Aromatic Foliage: Soft, gray-green leaves add fragrance and a clean, calming texture.
• Pollinator Support: Flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects through the season.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Delivers a neat ribbon of blue that keeps borders looking intentional and polished.

If you want a compact catmint that stays neat and delivers a long season of lavender-blue blooms, Junior Walker Catmint adds focal point color, soft texture, and reliable performance in sunny, well-drained beds.