Clinopodium vulgare
wild basil
A perennial with soft, hairy slightly aromatic with usually unbranched stems stem and oval, slightly toothed and short stalked leaves. It bears pinkish purple 1.2 to 2.2 cm long arranged in whorls in late summer.
Other common names
cushion calamint
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Clinopodium are a genus of flowering plants that can be perennials, aromatic herbs or small shrubs. Flowering mid-summer to early autumn, they produce whorls of delicate flowers at the top of each stem, which can vary in colour from purple to violet to pink, depending on the species.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in free draining preferably calcareous soil.
Propagation
Propagate by seed - sow seeds in the autumn. Propagate by division from runners.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
Trim back flowered stems. If self seeding require, cut back after the seed was dispersed.
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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