Large-Flowered Calamint
Calamintha grandiflora
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Pink. Main Bloom Time: Mid summer. Form: Spreading or horizontal.
Calamintha grandiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July 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. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Damp woods and scrub, often on limestone.
S. Europe.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
A sweet and aromatic herb tea is made from the leaves. Very refreshing. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use. Leaves - used as a flavouring. A pleasant mint-like fragrance and flavour.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The leaves are aromatic, diaphoretic and expectorant. An infusion is used in the treatment of jaundice, nervous complaints, convulsions and cramps. A warm poultice of the leaves may help soothe bruises and rheumatic pains.
Aromatic: Having an agreeable odour and stimulant qualities.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Other
Rating:
Plants can be used for ground cover, planted about 45cm apart each way they form spreading clumps.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Ground cover: Ground Cover
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Ground cover, Rock garden, Woodland garden. Prefers a well-drained soil and a sunny position. Succeeds in any good soil in sun or partial shade. Established plants are drought tolerant, preferring a soil on the dry side. The plant is pleasantly fragrant when bruised. The flowers have a delicious minty scent. Plants often self-sow in gardens if they are well-sited. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Edible, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native, Invasive, Suitable for dried flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. 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 into their permanent positions in the summer if they are large enough, otherwise plant them out the following spring. The seed can also be sown outdoors in a dry soil in April. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be planted direct into their permanent positions. It is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are well rooted before planting them out in the summer. Basal cuttings in May or June. They should be rooted in a sandy compost. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist