Overview

Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud' is a perennial herb in the genus Clinopodium, part of the Lamiaceae family. Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include herb garden, borders and ground cover. It is native to Europe.

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 4.0Clinopodium 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 4.0Clinopodium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Clinopodium

Sunlight
full sun, partial shade
Soil type
well-drained
Soil pH
neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture
moderate
Exposure
sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
perennial herb
Suggested uses
herb garden, borders, ground cover
Native to
Europe
Fragrance
minty, oregano-like

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud'

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Drought tolerant once established.
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Propagation
Seed, cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud'?

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud'?

Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud' need?

Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.

How do I prune Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud'?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Is Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud' hardy in the UK?

Calamintha nepeta 'White Cloud' 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 'White Cloud'?

Seed, cuttings.

More in the Clinopodium genus

Browse all Clinopodium