{"product_id":"nepeta-faassenii-walkers-blue","title":"Nepeta faassenii 'Walkers Blue'","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatmint \/ Walker’s Blue Nepeta\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-end=\"331\" data-start=\"311\"\u003eNepeta × faassenii\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Walker’s Blue’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lamiaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003eGarden hybrid (European species ancestry)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"924\" data-start=\"501\"\u003eA classic, drought-tough perennial perfectly suited to Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate, \u003cem data-end=\"598\" data-start=\"590\"\u003eNepeta\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Walker’s Blue’ forms a relaxed, billowing mound of aromatic grey-green foliage topped with clouds of soft lavender-blue flowers for months on end. Flowering begins in spring and continues through summer into early autumn with regular trimming, making it one of the longest-performing perennials for South Australian gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1310\" data-start=\"926\"\u003eHighly tolerant of heat, wind and dry soils once established, it thrives in sunny borders, gravel gardens, cottage plantings and modern Mediterranean landscapes. Its informal habit softens hard edges, while the cool blue tones provide contrast alongside warmer colours and silver foliage plants. Exceptionally attractive to bees and butterflies, it’s as functional as it is beautiful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.4–0.6 m H × 0.6–0.9 m W (soft, spreading mound)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–40 cm per year under good conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aromatic grey-green leaves with a soft, slightly fuzzy texture; foliage may develop silvery tones in heat or dry conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lavender-blue flower spikes from spring through summer, often repeating into autumn with trimming\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1608\" data-start=\"1594\"\u003eFragrance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foliage strongly aromatic when brushed; flowers lightly scented\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long flowering season from spring to autumn; attractive foliage year-round in mild winters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent nectar source for bees, butterflies and other pollinators\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drought-tolerant once established; excellent heat and wind tolerance; coastal-tolerant (second-line); frost hardy; dislikes waterlogged soils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Density:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mass planting: 3–5 plants per m²; borders: 50–60 cm spacing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-toxic to cats and dogs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere It Works Best\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun for best flowering and compact growth; tolerates light part shade with reduced bloom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Free-draining sandy or loamy soils; tolerates slightly alkaline and limestone soils common across Adelaide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Establishment: 2 deep soaks\/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; minimal watering in winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very low — shear back after main flowering flush to encourage fresh growth and repeat blooms; cut back hard in late winter; avoid rich fertilisers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–10+ years in well-drained soils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for Mediterranean and temperate South Australia — Adelaide plains, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and coastal suburbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neutral to alkaline; tolerates slightly acidic soils if well drained\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape \u0026amp; Design Ideas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCottage gardens paired with roses, salvias and gaura\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMediterranean and waterwise gardens with lavender, rosemary and santolina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGravel gardens and dry borders where irrigation is limited\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft edging plant along paths and driveways\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePollinator gardens to support bees and beneficial insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You Will Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Walker’s Blue’ is one of those rare plants that truly earns its place — flowering for months, thriving in Adelaide’s heat and dryness, and asking for very little in return. With its soft colour, aromatic foliage and exceptional pollinator appeal, it’s a reliable, easy-care perennial that brings movement, calm and seasonal colour to South Australian gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Adelaide Plant Co","offers":[{"title":"140mm Pot","offer_id":48663294935292,"sku":"NEPE-FAAS-WALK-BLUE-140MM","price":14.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9282\/0220\/files\/nepeta-faassenii-walkers-blue-catmint-140mm-flower-adelaide-plant-co.png?v=1768105638","url":"https:\/\/adelaideplantco.com.au\/products\/nepeta-faassenii-walkers-blue","provider":"Adelaide Plant Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}