About
Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta 'Blue Cloud' is a compact, semi-evergreen perennial characterized by its small, ovate leaves that are hairy, toothed, and aromatic with a mint scent. This plant produces elongated, branched spikes adorned with clusters of small, two-lipped flowers in shades of soft blue to lilac, which bloom from July through September. The herb is also suitable for culinary use, adding flavor to various dishes.
About the genus
Calamintha consists of aromatic perennial plants featuring ovate foliage and loose clusters of small, two-lipped flowers that bloom during the summer and autumn in the leaf axils above.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Mediterranean climate plants
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Thrives in a warm, open site in sun. Grow in humus-rich, well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Does not run like mint, but may self- seed freely in a good site.
- Pruning
- Rejuvenate in July with a cut back if necessary and cut to the base in autumn.
- Propagation
- Propagate by the division of clumps in spring or sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Alternatively, sow at 20C in moist compost, keeping cooler after germination.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free. Rabbit and deer resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free