nepeta six hills giant vs walkers low

Nepeta Six Hills Giant: Robust and Vigorous

Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint) is famous for its strong growth and abundant lavender-blue blooms. This cultivar can reach up to 90 cm tall and 90 cm wide, forming statuesque mounds that look stunning in the back of borders. It flowers from late spring into autumn, providing long-lasting colour. Six Hills Giant thrives in full sun, tolerates dry soils, and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for NZ gardens where low-effort planting is key. When left untrimmed, its stems arch gracefully, creating a loose, flowing look—perfect for cottage gardens or wildlife-friendly plantings.

Nepeta Walkers Low: Compact and Controlled

Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint) is named not for its height, but for its growth habit. It typically stays more compact, growing about 60 cm tall and wide. Walkers Low is a favourite for edging, container gardening, and tight spaces. Its deep blue flowers are equally prolific, and this cultivar also reblooms beautifully if sheared after flowering. For gardeners who want a neater, tidier plant without sacrificing colour and pollinator appeal, Walkers Low is hard to beat.

Key Differences: nepeta six hills giant vs walkers low

• Size: Six Hills Giant is noticeably larger and more vigorous, best for spacious borders. Walkers Low is compact, making it ideal for small gardens or pathways.
• Growth Habit: Six Hills Giant has an arching, airy form; Walkers Low stays more upright and rounded.
• Maintenance: Both varieties are low-maintenance but Six Hills Giant can be cut back in midsummer for a fresh flush of flowers, while Walkers Low responds well to regular shearing.
• Uses: Six Hills Giant is perfect for mass planting, wildlife gardens, and areas needing robust coverage. Walkers Low excels at the front of borders, beside stone paths, or in containers.

Other Nepeta Choices

Beyond these two, there are more beautiful catmints worth exploring. Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint) boasts striking blue flowers and sturdy stems, offering a slightly different look for your garden. Nepeta faassenii is a parent hybrid to both Six Hills Giant and Walkers Low, offering compact growth and repeat flowering. Nepeta mussinii (Catmint) is suited to rock gardens and dry borders, with soft blue blooms and aromatic foliage.

Choosing Your Catmint

When weighing nepeta six hills giant vs walkers low, consider your garden’s scale and your planting goals. Both are excellent pollinator magnets and have proven performance in New Zealand conditions. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy colour, scent, and ease of care—all hallmarks of the Nepeta genus.