Grow Calamintha the 2021 Perennial Plant of the Year

The 2021 Perennial Plant of the Year is Calamintha nepeta nepeta. It was selected by the Perennial Plant Association members for its suitability to a wide range of growing conditions, low maintenance, multiple seasons of interest as well as pest and disease resistance.

Calamintha is one of my favorite perennials as well. It is a bee and pollinator magnet. But don’t worry the bees are more interested in the plant’s nectar than you.

Hardy in zones 5 to 7, it grows best in full sun, well-drained soil and is drought tolerant once established.  The aromatic leaves are deer resistant and form a mound 18 inches tall and wide.

The white flowers remind me a bit of baby’s breath and appear from early summer to fall. It combines nicely with shrub roses and other perennials.

A bit more information: You can lightly shear calamintha to remove spent blooms and create a neater habit. I let mine grow freely and find it just as beautiful and appealing to the bees and other pollinators.

Tags

bees calamint

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