Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta 'Blue Cloud'
lesser catmint
This upright, bushy plant produces a haze of tiny blue flowers with long purple bracts from June right through to September....
9cm pot
£9.99
available to order from autumn
3 × 9cm pots
£24.99
£8.33 each
available to order from autumn
1
Plant description
This upright, bushy plant produces a haze of tiny blue flowers with long purple bracts from June right through to September. When crushed, the oval, dark green leaves of Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta 'Blue Cloud' emit a spearmint-like scent and the flowers are a magnet for bees. Try this lovely catmint in a warm, sunny spot in the garden, among herbs or Mediterranean-style plants.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta Blue Cloud:
Calamintha thrives in sunny, well-drained locations with slightly alkaline soil and should be planted with plenty of well-rotted organic matter into the backfill and immediate area. To encourage a second flush of blooms, prune it by one-third after the first flowering and cut back heavily in late winter to maintain its shape.
Regular deadheading will promote continuous flowering, and once established, water deeply but infrequently, to assist in developing drought-tolerance. Apply a light mulch around the base annually and avoid over-fertilising to prevent floppy growth. Divide the plant every 3-4 years to maintain its vigour.
Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal (mildew) issues so space plants accordingly - we recommend a spacing of 30cm (12in) between 9cm plants, and 45cm (18in) between 2 litre plants.
Regular deadheading will promote continuous flowering, and once established, water deeply but infrequently, to assist in developing drought-tolerance. Apply a light mulch around the base annually and avoid over-fertilising to prevent floppy growth. Divide the plant every 3-4 years to maintain its vigour.
Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal (mildew) issues so space plants accordingly - we recommend a spacing of 30cm (12in) between 9cm plants, and 45cm (18in) between 2 litre plants.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
