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SYNONYM:   Clinopodium nepeta ssp nepeta

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Excellent for for pollinators as it flowers the entire summer into fall. Masses of flowering stems shade out weeds. Fragrant foliage. Tolerant of drought, shallow rocky soil, with medium salt tolerance. Sheer back foliage after flowering to tidy up the plants and prevent seeding. Does not perform well in hot summer climates greater than zone 7.

HABITAT & HARDINESS: Lesser Calamint is native to Southern Europe, including regions around the Mediterranean. Its native habitat includes a variety of environments within its range including dry grasslands, rocky slopes, open woodlands, and meadows.

This species is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9.

PLANT DESCRIPTION: Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta, commonly known as Lesser Calamint, is a delightful herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This low-growing plant is native to parts of Europe and Asia, producing aromatic foliage and clusters of small, tubular flowers. The leaves are gray-green and emit a pleasant minty fragrance when crushed. The delicate flowers bloom in dense spikes, showcasing shades of lavender or white, creating a charming display that attracts both humans and pollinators. While the flowers appear almost white during the warmer summer months, they take on a pale lavender tint as nighttime temperatures begin to cool in the fall.  Lesser Calamint typically forms mounds of foliage, reaching heights of about 12 to 18 inches, making it an excellent choice for edging, borders, or rock gardens.

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or rocky soils, and is known for its tolerance to drought once established.

This perennial is relatively low-maintenance, requiring moderate watering during dry periods. Pruning the plant after the first flush of blooms can encourage additional flowering and maintain a compact, tidy shape. Lesser Calamint has a clump-forming habit and is not invasive, making it a well-behaved addition to garden landscapes. With its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and adaptability, Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta is a versatile and easy-to-grow perennial for gardeners seeking a charming and aromatic addition to their outdoor spaces.

LANDSCAPE USES: Fragrance Garden;Deer Resistant Plantings;Pollinator Garden;Butterfly Garden;Beneficial Insects;Cut/Dried Flower Garden;Low Maintenance Gardens;Mass/Group Planting; This low-maintenance and aromatic plant presents a profusion of small, tubular, white to lavender flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall, creating a charming and long-lasting display. With its compact and bushy habit, Lesser Calamint is well-suited for edging garden borders, where it adds a soft and fragrant border to pathways or taller plantings. The aromatic foliage releases a pleasant minty fragrance when brushed against, enhancing the sensory experience in the garden. This perennial is a valuable addition to pollinator gardens, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Lesser Calamint is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for rock gardens, Mediterranean-inspired landscapes, or even container plantings.

COMPANION & UNDERSTUDY PLANTS:  Companion plants include, Nepeta faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’; Achillea millefolium; Perovskia atriplicifolia; Liatris spicata; Salvia nemorosa ‘May Night’; Agastache foeniculum; Panicum virgatum; Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’; Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’; Echinacea purpurea; Verbena bonariensis; Allium ‘Millenium’;

Understudy plants include, Teucrium chamaedrys and Achillea millefolium may both work as substitutes dpending on the design intent and cultural conditions of the site.

TRIVIA: Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta was selected as the 2021 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association