The
Perennial Plant Association is a North American group of growers, garden
designers, nursery and garden centre owners. As members, this group votes for
the Perennial of the Year, as well as nominating future plants for the award.Perennials of the year are usually known for their year-round interest, their ease of care, their ability to thrive in a wide range of zones and varying growing conditions.
This year's choice is Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ — one of the catmint varieties and a very long bloomer. Catmint is a sun lover (although it will grow in partial shade) and is very drought tolerant. Nepeta like well drained soil, with a neutral pH. Catmint is very easy to grow and maintain — and is pest- and disease-resistant.
‘Walker’s Low’ in particular does well in a perennial border, as a rock garden plant, or even as a groundcover, or in a herb garden. The foliage has a minty scent — slightly attractive to cats, but not as potent as catnip. It offers silver-green heart-shaped leaves, and blue violet spikes from summer through to fall. Snip off the deadheads to encourage reblooming. ‘Walker’s Low’ attracts bees and butterflies — and appears on lists of deer-resistant plants. This plant grows about 30 - 36 inches or 75 — 90 cm tall — not ‘Low’ at all; in fact it is named after a garden! Hardy to zone 4; a tough plant — and looks great with yellow and orange plants. Try some in your garden!