Lesser calamint is the common name for Calamintha nepeta. It actually is a relative of catmint, and bees and other pollinating insects and hummingbirds find it attractive.
It has masses of tiny white flowers that create an illusion of freshness and daintiness because the blossoms line each stem.
It likes full sun but some afternoon shade in hot areas. I have it near my front porch, and it was planted years ago, and many people ask me what it is.
So far, the deer have left it alone, and they probably will continue to do so as they usually are not attracted to catmint relatives because of the scent.
While lesser calamint is a perennial, mine looks like a little shrub, as it is 12-16 inches tall and as wide and is easy care. But in spite of its delicate look, it is resistant to drought once established in zones 5-9.
It blooms for a long period of time, and when it looks a bit bedraggled, it can be cut back to half its size, and then it regenerates the way other catmints do.
It was named the 2021 perennial plant of the year and is very at home in perennial gardens, softening a border with its profuse and airy little white flowers. Dainty and durable and deer resistant—just my kind of plant!
This is Moya Andrews, and today we focused on Lesser Calamint.
