Calamintha nepeta (Lesser Calamint)

Noted for its clouds of delicate flowers, Calamintha nepeta (Lesser Calaminth) is a compact, bushy, rhizomatous perennial with loose clusters of tiny, tubular, two-lipped white or pale lilac flowers. Flowering from late summer until frost, the luminous blossoms are borne on upright stems clad with aromatic, semi-evergreen, ovate gray-green leaves. When crushed or brushed against them, they release a delicious minty-lemon fragrance. Forming a dense, spreading foliage mat, Calamintha is a lovely choice for the front of sunny borders where you can savor its beauty and fragrance.

• Grows up to 1-2 ft. high and wide (30-60 cm). May spread in the garden to form an attractive ground cover.
• Performs best in full sun in slightly alkaline, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Prefers evenly moist soils, but tolerates some drought.
• Perfect for beds and borders, cottage gardens or rock gardens. Excellent groundcover, edging plant for walks, patios or herb gardens. Attractive when sprawled over retaining walls or in containers.
• Easy to grow and virtually pest-free. Watch for powdery mildew.
• Attractive to bees, but deer resistant.
• Easily started from seed
• Cut back plants after flowering to tidy the planting and/or to prevent any unwanted self-seeding.
• Native to Europe, NW Africa, N Turkey, Caucasus, Ukraine