Lesser Calamint (Clinopodium nepeta)

Clinopodium nepeta, or Lesser Calamint, is a fragrant perennial herb. It has pale lavender to white flowers and aromatic foliage, attracting pollinators. It thrives in fu

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Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Moderate, allow soil to dry between waterings.

Soil

Well-drained, average to poor, sandy or loamy soil.

Temperature

Prefers 15-25 °C, hardy in temperate climates.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low requirement, may benefit from light spring feeding.

Care Requirements

Light

Full sun to partial shade.

Water

Moderate, allow soil to dry between waterings.

Soil

Well-drained, average to poor, sandy or loamy soil.

Temperature

Prefers 15-25 °C, hardy in temperate climates.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low requirement, may benefit from light spring feeding.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Ornamental, Medicinal

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden, Pot, Groundcover

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

30-60 cm

Spread

30-60 cm

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Winter

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Ovate, serrated

Flower Size

0.5-1 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

60000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Jul

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi

Melissa nepeta L.

Satureja nepeta (L.) Scheele

Thymus nepeta (L.) Sm.

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderLamiales
familyLamiaceae
genusClinopodium
speciesClinopodium nepeta

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Yes

Non-toxic to humans and pets. Leaves are edible and used for culinary purposes.

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly during dry spells, especially when establishing. Once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant and prefers soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering significantly in winter during dormancy.

Prune back spent flower stalks to encourage a bushier habit and prevent excessive self-seeding. A hard cut back in late autumn or early spring can rejuvenate the plant. Pinching back young shoots can also promote branching and denser growth.

Easily propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or division. Seeds can be sown directly in spring or autumn. Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer root readily. Division of mature clumps in spring or autumn is also a simple method.

For container-grown plants, repot every 1-2 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. This helps to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Lesser Calamint?

Lesser Calamint thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, average to poor soil. It is quite drought-tolerant once established, requiring moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between applications.

Is Lesser Calamint edible or toxic to pets and humans?

Lesser Calamint is considered non-toxic to both humans and pets. Its aromatic leaves are edible and commonly used as a culinary herb, often brewed into teas or used to flavor dishes.

How should I prune Lesser Calamint?

Prune Lesser Calamint by cutting back spent flower stalks to encourage a bushier habit and prevent excessive self-seeding. A hard cut back in late autumn or early spring can rejuvenate the plant and promote fresh growth.

Does Lesser Calamint attract pollinators?

Yes, Lesser Calamint is highly attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.

What are the best ways to propagate Lesser Calamint?

Lesser Calamint can be easily propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, or division. Seeds can be sown directly, softwood cuttings root readily in spring or summer, and mature clumps can be divided in spring or autumn.

Additional Care Tips

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Lesser Calamint?

Is Lesser Calamint edible or toxic to pets and humans?

Lesser Calamint is considered non-toxic to both humans and pets. Its aromatic leaves are edible and commonly used as a culinary herb, often brewed into teas or used to flavor dishes.

How should I prune Lesser Calamint?

Does Lesser Calamint attract pollinators?

Yes, Lesser Calamint is highly attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.

Lesser Calamint (Clinopodium nepeta)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Lesser Calamint?

Is Lesser Calamint edible or toxic to pets and humans?

How should I prune Lesser Calamint?

Does Lesser Calamint attract pollinators?

What are the best ways to propagate Lesser Calamint?

Loading plant details

Lesser Calamint (Clinopodium nepeta)

Care Requirements

Plant Overview

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Additional Care Tips

Water

Pruning

Propagation

Repotting

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Lesser Calamint?

Is Lesser Calamint edible or toxic to pets and humans?

How should I prune Lesser Calamint?

Does Lesser Calamint attract pollinators?

What are the best ways to propagate Lesser Calamint?