Practical
Plants

Calamintha grandiflora

Large-Flowered Calamint

a perennial member of the Calamintha genus in the family Labiatae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Labiatae
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.6 m
Spread
0.5 m
Fertility
Bees, Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A sweet and aromatic herb tea is made from the leaves[1]. Very refreshing. The leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use[5]. Leaves - used as a flavouring. A pleasant mint-like fragrance and flavour[1].

Product or use
Condiment
Product or use
Tea

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The leaves are aromatic, diaphoretic and expectorant[5]. An infusion is used in the treatment of jaundice, nervous complaints, convulsions and cramps[5]. A warm poultice of the leaves may help soothe bruises and rheumatic pains[5].

Product or use
Aromatic
Product or use
Diaphoretic
Product or use
Expectorant

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Plants can be used for ground cover, planted about 45cm apart each way they form spreading clumps[4].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Environment

Range
S. Europe.
Habitat
Damp woods and scrub, often on limestone[2].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
drought
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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[5]. Division in spring or autumn[5]. 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[5]. They should be rooted in a sandy compost[6]. 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

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a well-drained soil and a sunny position[4]. Succeeds in any good soil in sun or partial shade[2]. Established plants are drought tolerant[3], preferring a soil on the dry side[4]. The plant is pleasantly fragrant when bruised[2]. The flowers have a delicious minty scent[6]. Plants often self-sow in gardens if they are well-sited[4].

References

  1. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2

  2. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent 1982-00-00 ISBN 0460045512

    ↩

  4. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  5. Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30725-8

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  6. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩1↩2

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