Family: Lamiaceae

From Asia and Europe, these perennial herbs have woody-based stems, simple, opposite leaves, and broad, flat-topped clusters of tubular flowers. The foliage is strongly aromatic and resembles catmint (Nepeta species) to which this genus is related.

Species

C. grandiflora has toothed, ovate leaves and pink summer flowers. It grows to 45 cm (18 in).

C. nepeta, the most commonly grown species, grows up to 60 cm (24 in). It has a creeping rootstock and gray-green toothed leaves, and produces mauve or pink flowers in summer.

C. sylvatica has hairy, creeping stems, roundish to oval green leaves and pink or lilac flowers, spotted white on the lower lip. It grows to about 80 cm (32 in).

Cultivation

Calamintha can be planted in any well-drained soil, provided it has a sunny position. Propagate from cuttings of the young shoots in summer or by division in early spring.

Climate

Will thrive in zone 6.