Calamint

Calamint, also called lesser calamint or nepetella, is a small aromatic perennial with gray-green leaves and many tiny two-lipped flowers. The flowers can be white, pink or lavender and bloom through summer into fall, while the foliage releases a minty-lemon scent when crushed. ## Growth and siting The [North Carolina Extension Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clinopodium-nepeta/) lists Calamintha nepeta under its newer synonym Clinopodium nepeta. It describes a dense, mounding and spreading plant around 1–1½ feet tall and 1–2 feet wide, suited to full sun and well-drained sandy, rocky or loamy soil. The extension lists USDA zones 5a–7b and reports flowers from summer into fall. The [Denver Botanic Gardens](https://navigate.botanicgardens.org/weboi/oecgi2.exe/INET_ECM_DispPl?NAMENUM=14003) also lists Calamintha nepeta in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and notes its sun requirement and USDA zone 5 hardiness. ## Garden use Use calamint along a path, in a rock or pollinator garden, or at the front of a border where its fine-textured flowers and fragrant leaves can be appreciated. It attracts pollinators and is described as drought tolerant once established. ## Maintenance Provide good drainage and avoid prolonged wet soil. Cut plants back after flowering if they become overgrown; divide clumps or grow new plants from seed. Calamint can be short-lived, so allow seedlings or replace plants as needed.