Calamintha nepeta

Lesser calamint

Position: full sun
Soil: well-drained soil
Flowering period: June to October
Height: 30-40cm
Foliage: deciduous
Hardiness: fully hardy

Calamintha nepeta, also know as lesser calamint, is highly valued for its long flowering season. This perennial produces attractive spikes of tiny white or blue flowers from June until October. The aromatic leaves are edible and can be used as a spice. Bees love Calamintha nepeta.

Varieties

Calamintha nepeta ‘Blue Cloud’

‘Blue Cloud’ bears masses of deep, blue-lilac flowers with fragrant foliage throughout the summer. This perennial looks great at the front of a border. Also good for edging borders. It grows to 25-30cm.

Calamintha nepeta ‘Marvelette Blue’

This handsome Calamintha produces striking, purple-blue flowers on airy spikes held above mint-scented foliage. It has a long flowering season and is attractive to bees and butterflies. Attains a height of 30cm.

Calamintha nepeta ‘White Cloud’

White-flowering is Calamintha nepeta ‘White Cloud’. It has a compact habit with tiny, pure white flowers. The leaves of ‘White Cloud’ have a scent of mint and lemon. Ideal for a small garden. Expect a height of 30cm and a spread of 45cm.

Pruning

When and how to prune Calamintha nepeta (Lesser calamint). Best to prune in early spring. Cut back last’s year dead flower stalks to the ground. New growth will appear at the base of the plant.

Care

How to grow and care for Calamintha nepeta (Lesser calamint). This hardy perennial is easy to grow. Plant Calamintha nepeta in a warm, sunny position, in well-drained soil.

Plant combination

Calamintha nepeta mixes well with other garden plants such as Salvia nemorosa, Lavender and Geranium.

Geranium psilostemon

Calamintha nepeta