Calamintha nepetoides (Labiatae)

Appearance
A small, upright, bushy little herb garden plant 30 to 60 cms (1-2 ft) tall, calamintha produces a haze of tiny bluish flowers with long purple bracts from June through to September. Flowers are studded on short spikes between the leaves in mid-summer. This may slowly spread to make a compact patch. Calamints are near cousins to the garden mint, but without the nasty spreading habit. When crushed, the oblong, dark green leaves give off a spearmint-like fragrance and the blossoms can be a magnet for bees and butterflies.

History
Despite the fact that the correct herb is C. ascendens, which is indiginous to Europe and previously the officinal plant and dubbed C. officinalis for some considerable time, the most popular plant found in the majority of herb gardens is actually C. nepetoides. The two types seem to have been used in days gone by without distinction between them.

Usage
The scented leaves are similar to the fragrance associated with thyme but with pennyroyal nuances; calamintha seemed to be primarily employed in days gone by to help relieve wind. The volatile oil, rather minty in taste, enhances a tea made from the dried leaves and which Gerard deemed to take away ‘sorrowfulness which cometh with melancholie, and maketh a man merrie and glad’.

Useful towards the front of the garden border, or in a woodland location among ferns. Also appealing in mixed containers. Eliminate any all-green shoots as soon as they are noticed, since this plants has a tendency to revert.

Culpeper referred to it as having ‘an fierce and quick fragrance’ and called it as mountain mint and recommended its use for a wide variety of complaints ranging from shortness of breath, cramp, liver and spleen problems, mixed with salt to remove worms and also as a contraceptive.

This plant should be placed where its delightfully fragrant foliage can be touched and brushed.

Cultivation
Try this lovely catmint in a warm, sunny spot in the garden, among herbs or Mediterranean-style plants. It is tolerant of hot and dry conditions.

Division of plants in early spring, cuttings in spring or propagation via seed are all ways to start calamintha in the herb garden. Select a dryish alkaline soil for the best results.

Lift and divide congested colonies in spring.

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