Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’

Catmint 'Walker's Low' in bloom.

* Common name: Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’

* Botanical name: Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’

* What it is: A silver-leafed, blue-flowering, mint-scented herb good-looking enough that it’s used mainly as an ornamental perennial. Grows in a neat mound if pruned twice a year. Blooms June through August, then again late summer through fall after a sharp cutback. Attracts bees and butterflies, but deer and bunnies let it alone.

* Size: 2 feet tall with a 3-foot spread.

* Where to use: Any hot and dry spot, such as sunny banks, in a sunny mixed border, in a rock garden or in an herb garden. Best in full sun.

* Care: Needs little, if any, water or fertilizer once established. Also no spraying. Main care: Cut plant back to a few inches at end of winter and again when first flush of blooms goes downhill.

* Great partner: Purple coneflowers.