Lesser calamint produces fine, upright stems which are covered with small, shiny, dark green leaves, forming a little bush from 12 to 18 inches tall, and twice as wide. In late August, it produces a cloud of infinitesimal pale lavender flowers that continue blooming for up to six weeks. As the days become cooler, the color of the tiny, lipped blossoms deepens.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsA member of the mint family, it spreads, but is not invasive. Fragrant leaves.
CareSite in full sun or part shade and moist but well-drained soil.
PropagationSow seed in containers in spring, or divide in early spring.
ProblemsPowdery mildew.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Calamintha
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 10, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Tolerance : Drought Tolerant
- Moisture : Dry to Medium
- Bloom Time : Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Fall Interest
- Characteristics : Fragrant Foliage, Self Seeds
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Flower Color : Pink
- Plant Type : Shrubs
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
