How to Grow Calamintha
Calamintha nepeta
Calamintha is a long-flowering aromatic perennial that produces airy clouds of tiny white to lilac flowers from midsummer through autumn, attracting pollinators non-stop. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, even poor soil. Plant 40-50 cm apart. Once established it is extremely drought-tolerant and pest-free. Cut back to ground level in late winter before new growth. Can self-seed generously in ideal conditions. One of the best perennials for low-maintenance pollinator gardens.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely needed. Calamintha thrives on poor, lean soils and excessive feeding produces lax, floppy growth at the expense of flowers. A thin mulch of compost in spring is more than sufficient.
Watch For
- Powdery mildew in humid conditions
- Self-seeding (can spread freely)
Companions
Salvia nemorosa, Perovskia, Echinacea, Stachys
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to part shade
Flowers most prolifically in full sun. Tolerates light shade but produces fewer blooms. Good air circulation prevents mildew.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established
Water only during extended dry spells in the first year. Once established, Calamintha thrives on natural rainfall alone and resents wet feet.
Fertilizing
Rarely needed, prefers lean soil
A thin mulch of compost in spring is more than sufficient. Excessive feeding produces lax, floppy growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Cut back to ground in late winter
Leave old stems standing through winter for frost protection and wildlife shelter. Cut back to ground level in late winter before new growth emerges.
