Lesser Calamint is a compact spreading perennial with small green foliage that has a strong lemon-mint scent. Huge amounts of tiny, white flowers bloom on spikes above the foliage in early summer until fall attracting butterflies, pollinators, and hummingbirds, and turn pale lavender as night-time temperatures drop. Prefers sunny areas in well-drained soils. Tolerates light afternoon shade, drought, and grows well in alkaline soils.
Catmint used to be used as a tea for its medical properties that helped relieve stomach aches and cramping, and insomnia. Fresh leave poultices have also been used to lessen discoloration from bruises.*
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Type:
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Perennial
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Height:
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1.5' - 2'
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Spread:
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1.5' - 2'
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Spacing:
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1.5’
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USDA Hardiness Zone:
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4 - 7
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Culture:
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Full Sun
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Bloom Color:
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White
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Season of Interest:
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Summer, Fall
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MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance. Foliage may decline in hot and humid summer climates. Cut back after flowering to tidy the plant or prevent self-seeding. Watch for powdery mildew.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Wildlife Gardens, Naturalized Areas, and Containers.
COMPANION PLANTS: False Sunflower, Daylily, Daisy
IMAGES: I, KENPEI, Calamintha nepeta1, CC BY-SA 3.0, (2) I, KENPEI, Calamintha nepeta2, CC BY-SA 3.0, (3) Kurt Stüber [1], Calamintha nepeta nepeta0, CC BY-SA 3.0
*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.
*ServeScape does not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
