Calamintha grandiflora - (L.)Moench.

(L.)Moench.

Large-Flowered Calamint

Lamiaceae

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Cody Hinchliff

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Cody Hinchliff

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Cody Hinchliff

Description

Calamintha grandiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Edible Uses

A sweet and aromatic herb tea is made from the leaves. Very refreshing. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use. Leaves - used as a flavouring. A pleasant mint-like fragrance and flavour.

Medicinal Uses

Aromatic Diaphoretic Expectorant. The leaves are aromatic, diaphoretic and expectorant. An infusion is used in the treatment of jaundice, nervous complaints, convulsions and cramps. A warm poultice of the leaves may help soothe bruises and rheumatic pains.

Distribution

S. Europe.

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: Iran (north), Turkey (north), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia EUROPE: Austria, Switzerland, Ukraine (Krym), Former Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy (incl. Sicily), Romania, Spain, France (incl. Corsica)

Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained soil and a sunny position. Succeeds in any good soil in sun or partial shade. Established plants are drought tolerant, preferring a soil on the dry side. The plant is pleasantly fragrant when bruised. The flowers have a delicious minty scent. Plants often self-sow in gardens if they are well-sited.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks at 21°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer if they are large enough, otherwise plant them out the following spring. The seed can also be sown outdoors in a dry soil in April. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be planted direct into their permanent positions. It is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are well rooted before planting them out in the summer. Basal cuttings in May or June. They should be rooted in a sandy compost. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.