Perennials

Lesser Calamint

*Calamintha nepeta*

Lesser calamint: 40 cm high and 40 cm spread, sun exposure. White flowers in June-October. Zone 5; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

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Exposure
Sun
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 5

Discover the plant

Common nameLesser Calamint
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusCalamint
Speciescatnip
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical name*Calamintha nepeta*

With Calamintha nepeta, the border welcomes a plant whose flowers display white tones. Among its distinctive features: aromatic foliage, fragrant flowers. The foliage presents shades of green, to be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is June-October. The clump reaches approximately 40 cm in height and 40 cm in spread; use these dimensions to position the plant in the middle of the border and for group planting.

The success of Calamint nepeta begins with its location: full sun, in suitable soil (well-drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during establishment). Support the rooting of Calamint nepeta with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency to rain and heat; avoid small daily additions to soil that is already moist. Spacing of approximately 40 cm between centers is a starting point, to be adjusted according to observed vigor. The indicated hardiness level is zone 5, to be assessed according to your garden's conditions.

In a Calamint nepeta planting, keep the foliage healthy after flowering to allow the plant to continue its growth. Keep the crown clear and observe recovery before removing damaged parts. For associations, consider campanulas, perennial geraniums, echinaceas in varieties with similar needs. Keep its 40 cm height in mind to place lower plants on the correct side and allow the flowers to be visible during June-October.

Calament nepeta — Calamintha nepeta

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 15.75 in
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for the roots to settle before the severe cold.
Propagation Division of clumps. Sowing does not guarantee the fidelity of a named cultivar.
Growing method
Lesser Calamint: Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots to establish before the severe cold sets in. Support the establishment of the Lesser Calamint with deep watering, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil. Keep the crown clear and observe new growth before removing damaged parts.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

neutral; general indication of the botanical group

Care level

Routine maintenance

Watering

Accompany the establishment of Lesser Calamint with deep waterings, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on soil that is already moist.

Soil type

Well-drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during installation

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Moderate humidity; water according to the actual condition of the root ball

Seasonal care

Lesser calamint: keep the foliage healthy after flowering to allow the plant to continue growing. During its flowering period (June-October), also look out for damaged stems and neighboring plants that could obscure the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Stable and perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and adult development.
To try Calamint nepeta in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suited to the root ball and its future size (40 cm). Water should drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Calament nepeta — Calamintha nepeta

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

16 inches (40.5 cm)

Width / spread

16 inches (40.5 cm)

Flower color

White

Foliage color

Green

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Erected

Fragrance

Scented flowers

Bloom period

June-October
Calament nepeta — Calamintha nepeta

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Associations to consider for Calamint nepeta: bellflowers, perennial geraniums, coneflowers. Choose varieties that tolerate sun and comparable humidity; allow each clump its adult space.

Plants to avoid

Around Calamint nepeta, be sure to avoid neighboring plants that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its rootball. Compatibility in terms of light, water, and spread takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Calamint nepeta?
Provide sun and suitable soil (drained garden soil, retaining moderate moisture during planting). Keep the root collar clear and observe the recovery before removing damaged parts.
Where should I plant Catmint (Calamintha nepeta)?
Expect a height and width of approximately 40 cm at maturity. Approximately 40 cm between centers, to be adjusted according to the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use in the middle of flower beds and for group plantings.
When does Calamint bloom?
The specified period is June-October. The flower palette is white. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, the season, and the plant's establishment.
How to water and care for Calamint nepeta?
Support the establishment of Calamintha nepeta with deep waterings, then check the moisture before watering again. Adjust the frequency according to rain and heat; avoid small daily waterings on already moist soil. Keep the foliage healthy after flowering to allow the plant to continue growing.
Can you grow Calamintha nepeta in a pot?
To grow Lesser Calamint in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suitable for the root ball and its future spread (40 cm). Water must drain freely after each watering; check the root ball more often than you would for plants in the ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.