Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta (Lesser calamint)

Botanical name

Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta

Other names

Lesser calamint, Dwarf calamint, Lesser catmint

Genus

Calamintha Calamintha

Species

C. nepeta subsp. nepeta - C. nepeta subsp. nepeta is a compact, mound-forming, aromatic, deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial with upright stems bearing ovate, toothed, hairy, grey-green leaves and loose, branched clusters of tiny, tubular, two-lipped, white flowers from summer into autumn.

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Fragrance

Leaves are strongly aromatic.

Habit

Upright, Cushion or Mound Forming

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Colour

Flower

White in Summer; White in Autumn

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

General care

Pruning

Cut to the base in autumn.

Propagation

Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring. Alternatively, sow at 20C in moist compost, keeping cooler after germination. May self-seed freely in ideal growing conditions.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta (Lesser calamint) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0.45m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Drought Tolerant, Cottage/Informal, City, Beds and borders, Flavouring food and drinks, Gravel, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Thrives in a warm, open site in sun.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta (Lesser calamint)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/