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Herbaceous Perennial

Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

lesser calamint

A compact, bushy semi-evergreen perennial, to 30cm tall, with aromatic, ovate grey-green leaves. Loose clusters of tiny, up to 1cm, tubular, two-lipped white flowers are borne from summer into early autumn

Synonyms
Calamintha thessala
Calamintha nepetoides

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Calamintha are pleasantly aromatic perennials with ovate leaves and loose clusters of small, 2-lipped flowers in summer and autumn in the axils of the upper leaves

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N Africa, W Asia & Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained soil and flowers best when grown in a warm, open position in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Cut back in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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