Calamintha grandiflora
| Calamintha grandiflora | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 5 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Shelter | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Calamintha grandiflora (common name: large-flowered calamint)
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[1].
Division in spring or autumn[1]. 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[1]. They should be rooted in a sandy compost[2]. 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.
Cultivation: Prefers a well-drained soil and a sunny position[3]. Succeeds in any good soil in sun or partial shade[4]. Established plants are drought tolerant[5], preferring a soil on the dry side[3].
The plant is pleasantly fragrant when bruised[4]. The flowers have a delicious minty scent[2].
Plants often self-sow in gardens if they are well-sited[3].
Range: S. Europe.
Habitat: Damp woods and scrub, often on limestone[4].
Edibility: A sweet and aromatic herb tea is made from the leaves[6]. Very refreshing. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use[1].
Leaves - used as a flavouring. A pleasant mint-like fragrance and flavour[6].
Medicinal: The leaves are aromatic, diaphoretic and expectorant[1]. An infusion is used in the treatment of jaundice, nervous complaints, convulsions and cramps[1]. A warm poultice of the leaves may help soothe bruises and rheumatic pains[1].
Usage: Plants can be used for ground cover, planted about 45cm apart each way they form spreading clumps[3].
Pollinators: Bees, insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Early Fall-Mid Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Phillips, Roger. Herbs. Pan Books, 1990.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Thomas, Graham. Plants for Ground Cover. Everyman, 1990.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ Chatto, Beth. The Damp Garden. Dent, 1982.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.