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Herbaceous Perennial

Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta 'Blue Cloud'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

lesser calamint 'Blue Cloud'

A compact, mounded, semi-evergreen perennial with small hairy ovate toothed, mintily fragrant, dark green leaves beneath a cloud of long-lasting branched airy whorled spikes of small soft blue/lilac two-lipped flowers borne from July to September. Herb can be used for flavouring.

Synonyms
Calamintha nepeta subsp. glandulosa 'Blue Cloud'
Calamintha nepeta 'Blue Cloud'
see moreCalamintha grandiflora 'Blue Cloud'
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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
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Purple Green
Autumn Blue Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in a warm, open site in sun. Grow in humus-rich, well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Does not run like mint, but may self- seed freely in a good site.

Propagation

Propagate by the division of clumps in spring or sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Alternatively, sow at 20C in moist compost, keeping cooler after germination.

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Rejuvenate in July with a cut back if necessary and cut to the base in autumn.

Pests

Generally pest-free. Rabbit and deer resistant

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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