Clinopodium chinense

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Clinopodium chinense is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Woods and thickets in hills and low mountains all over Japan. Sunny meadows from the lowlands to elevations of 1500 metres in Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - cooked. A sweet and aromatic herb tea is made from the leaves.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in almost any well-drained soil. A polymorphic species. Plants are best grown in a rock garden.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks at 21°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse. Plant them out in the summer if they have made sufficient growth, otherwise plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Division in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring. Cuttings of soft wood in May or June.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Calamintha chinensis. Benth.