Lesser Calamint. Erect low-growing perennial with aromatic dark green hairy leaves. Bears mauve sometimes pink tubular flowers. Height 45cm. Spread 75cm. Flowers June to August. Full sun/part shade. Hardy.
Calamintha nepeta, also known as Lesser Calamint, is a charming perennial that brings fragrance, pollinator appeal, and a haze of mauve to pink flowers to your garden. With its aromatic foliage and long flowering season, Calamintha nepeta is a valuable addition to borders, wildlife gardens, and mixed planting schemes. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your plant thrives year after year.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The best time to plant Calamintha nepeta is in spring when the soil is workable and warming. This allows roots to establish quickly, encouraging strong summer growth.
Autumn: Alternatively, planting in early autumn helps the plant settle before winter, ensuring vigorous growth the following season.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Calamintha nepeta performs best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. Choose a site with at least 6 hours of light daily for the best flower display.
Soil: Plant your Calamintha in free-draining soil. It thrives in light, moderately fertile ground and dislikes waterlogging. Adding compost or grit improves drainage and soil structure.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, giving roots space to spread.
Soil Preparation: Incorporate organic matter or grit to encourage drainage and fertility.
Planting: Position Calamintha nepeta so the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill gently and firm down.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting, allowing the soil to settle around the roots.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Once established, Calamintha nepeta is drought tolerant. Water during extended dry periods but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering to a minimum, only when soil is excessively dry.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to support fresh leafy growth and flower production.
Mid-Summer: A light top-up feed will help extend the flowering season of Calamintha nepeta into late summer.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regularly trim back spent blooms to encourage fresh flowers and maintain a compact shape.
Autumn Pruning: After flowering ends, cut Calamintha nepeta back by about half to tidy growth and prepare for dormancy.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a light mulch of compost or leaf mould around the base of Calamintha nepeta. This helps retain moisture, improve soil condition, and reduce weeds.
Winter: A protective mulch layer can shield roots from fluctuating temperatures and frost.
Supporting the Plant
With its naturally compact habit, Calamintha nepeta rarely needs staking. In breezier sites, a small plant support may prevent stems from flopping during heavy flowering periods.
Final Tips
Calamintha nepeta is a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly perennial that rewards gardeners with months of colour, fragrance, and resilience. By planting it in a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil, and by following this simple aftercare routine, Calamintha nepeta will provide vibrant displays from early summer through to late August, year after year.
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