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Calamintha nepeta 'Blue Cloud'

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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
 Common Name: Calamint

A trouble-free plant whose leaves smell strongly of mint.  The small, glaucous green leaves resemble those of Nepeta.  Beginning in early summer, tiny, tubular, pale lavender-blue flowers are produced in profusion on upright spikes just above the foliage.  Their sweet nectar attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.  This plant makes a great filler in the border garden and can also be used as an edging.

Origin: Not Native to North America

Characteristics:



Height:
  9-12 Inches
Spread:
  12 Feet
Flower Color:
  Blue shades
  Purple shades
Foliage Color:
  Variegated
Hardiness Zone:
4,5,6,7
Find Your Zone
Sun or Shade?:
  Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
  Low water needs
  Average water needs
Want to see wings?:
  Attracts butterflies
  Attracts hummingbirds
Need critter resistant plants?:
  Deer resistant
How fast should it grow?:
  Medium
When should it bloom?:
  Early summer
  Midsummer
  Late summer
  Early fall
How's your soil?:
  Poor Soil
  Average Soil
  Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
  Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
  Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
  Container/Patio
  Woodland/Shade
  Eclectic

Attributes:

Border plants
Container
Cut flower or foliage
Drought Tolerant
Edging
Fragrant flowers or foliage
Mass Planting
Easy to grow

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Calamintha prefers full sun and average, well-drained soil.  Once established, it is able to tolerate hot and dry conditions.  Cut back plants by half in late summer if the foliage begins to look worn.  This will stimulate the growth of fresh new leaves.


Companions:

Common/Botanical Name
Zones  
Dianthus 'Frosty Fire'
Common Name: Pinks
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
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Hemerocallis 'El Desperado'
Common Name: Daylily
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
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Leucanthemum superbum 'Becky'
Common Name: Shasta Daisy
5,6,7,8,9
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Monarda 'Jacob Cline'
Common Name: Bee Balm
4,5,6,7,8,9
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Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'
Common Name: Beardtongue
3,4,5,6,7,8
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Heliopsis helianthoides 'Summer Sun'
Common Name: False Sunflower
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
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Echinacea purpurea 'Kim's Knee High' PP12242
Common Name: Coneflower-Purple
3,4,5,6,7,8
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Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles' PP18932
Common Name: Speedwell-Spike
4,5,6,7,8
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Coreopsis lanceolata 'Sterntaler'
Common Name: Coreopsis-Lanceleaf
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
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While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.