Bloom Color

Interesting Notes

The name of the genus, Calamintha, is derived from the Greek Kalos (excellent because of the ancient belief in its power to drive away serpents and the dreaded basilisk - the fabled king of the serpents, whose very glance was fatal.

Any perennial with the staying power of calamint and its airy beauty deserves accolades from more than the bees. From sunrise to sunset, from June through frost, the airy racemes of tiny, white-lipped flowers attract a motley crew of nectar seekers. Standing knee-high, the small, bushy beauty is delicate but wiry, standing up to any kind of weather, soldiering through rain, overbearing sun, muggy air and clear fall days without a hint of disease or pest problems. It softens a border as well -- better than its temperamental look-alike, baby's breath, and calamint is aromatic to boot. Planted with the setting sun behind it, calamint turns into a luminous star of the evening garden. Vice versa in the morning. Diane Heilenman, Louisville Courier-Journal

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Calamintha is found on dry, rocky sites, but does wonderfully in average garden soil. Full sun, average fertility. Use it to underplant leggy perennials such as Echinacea.