Common Name: Showy Calamint ... Large flowered Calamint Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Calamintha Species: grandiflora
Characteristics of Plant
With proper germination techniques this is a first year blooming plant.
Calamintha grandiflora while a cousin to other mints is different in the fact that it is more of a bushy shrub getting to be about 2' tall and almost as wide that is hardy down to 5F.
During the months of July to Sept. it produces massive amounts of showy purple trumpeted blooms. A nice feature besides the blooms is the aromatic fragrance of the leaves.
Calamintha prefers to have dry to slightly moist soil and once well established is fairly drought tolerant.
Besides being an attractant plant for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, it also has some edible and medicinal properties.
Shortly after blooming it will produce seed for the next month. Seed is somewhat tiny and it is best to use some sort of netting to capture it. |
Germination Tips: Seed needs several weeks cold stratification to help in germination. Life Cycle Perennial
Zone Hardiness up to Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Endangered Species No
Heirloom No
When to Sow Seed Early Spring
Mid Spring
Germination Temperature Winter Sow
Seed Sowing Depth 1/16"
Seed Needs Light to Germinate Yes
Days to Germination 14-24 days
40-60 days
Sun Exposure Full Sun
Part Sun/ Part Shade
Plant Height 1- 2 feet
Plant Form Upright
Branching
Blooms Yes
Bloom Form Above Foliage
Flower Color Lt. Purple
Fragrance Mild
Perfumed
Nutritional Needs Moist
Fertile Yes
Reproduces By Seed
Potential Hazzards or Invasiveness Non-Invasive
Cutting Flower No
Attractive to Wildlife Hummingbirds
Butterflies
Bees
Additional Uses Borders
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