Overview
Calamintha nepeta is a bushy perennial herb in the genus Clinopodium, part of the Lamiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Calamintha nepeta grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and ground cover. It is native to Europe and Mediterranean region.
About
Clinopodium nepeta, known as lesser calamint, is a perennial herb of the mint family known for having fragrant, grey-green, oregano-like leaves with a pennyroyal smell. It is also called niepita, and mentuccia romana.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clinopodium nepeta
About the genus
Clinopodium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, in the subtribe Menthinae. Clinopodium belongs to a large and complex group of genera including many New World mints such as Hedeoma, Monarda, and Pycnanthemum, and this group is in turn a sister clade to Mentha. The genus name Clinopodium is derived from the Latin clinopodion, from the Ancient Greek κλινοπόδιον (klinopódion), from κλίνη (klínē) "bed" and πόδιον (pódion) "little foot".
Wikipedia contributors, "Clinopodium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clinopodium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Clinopodium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Calamintha nepeta size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover
- Native to
- Europe, Mediterranean region
- Fragrance
- pennyroyal smell
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calamintha nepeta
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Calamintha nepeta?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Calamintha nepeta?
Calamintha nepeta prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Calamintha nepeta need?
Calamintha nepeta is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Calamintha nepeta?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Is Calamintha nepeta hardy in the UK?
Calamintha nepeta has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Calamintha nepeta?
Seed, Division.