Overview
Calamintha nepetoides is a perennial herb in the genus Calamintha, part of the Q53476 family. Calamintha nepetoides grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, herb gardens and borders. It is native to Europe.
About
Calamintha nepetoides is a perennial herb with a minty, aromatic scent and summer flowers. It suits well-drained, sandy or loamy soils of neutral to alkaline reaction and prefers full sun to partial shade. Flowering runs from July to September. Use it where its scent and late-summer flowers can be appreciated, such as rock gardens, herb plots and the front of borders.
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.
In the garden
Calamintha nepetoides is a perennial herb native to Europe, valued for its aromatic, mint-scented foliage and a summer flowering period from July to September. Plants tolerate a range of exposures from sheltered to exposed sites and perform reliably where winters are not unusually severe; the species corresponds to an H5 hardiness rating (hardy in most UK gardens). Plant in a south-facing spot with well-drained, sandy or loamy soil of neutral to alkaline pH. The species prefers dry to medium soil moisture, so avoid heavy, waterlogged ground; a free-draining substrate encourages healthier growth and more consistent flowering. It takes full sun but will tolerate some light shade, especially where soil remains well drained. Use Lesser calamint in rock gardens, herb gardens and at the front of borders where the scent will be noticed. Its compact habit and summer display make it effective alongside gravel plantings and other Mediterranean-style perennials suited to neutral to alkaline soils. Expect minty aroma accompanying the flowers from July to September, giving a clear seasonal signal from foliage as well as bloom.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calamintha
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Calamintha nepetoides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, herb gardens, borders
- Native to
- Europe
- Fragrance
- minty, aromatic
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calamintha nepetoides
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Calamintha nepetoides?
Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Calamintha nepetoides?
Calamintha nepetoides prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Calamintha nepetoides need?
Calamintha nepetoides grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Calamintha nepetoides?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Calamintha nepetoides hardy in the UK?
Calamintha nepetoides 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 nepetoides?
Seed, division.
