Calamintha 'Blue Cloud' is a compact aromatic perennial prized for its clouds of small pale blue flowers and softly textured mint scented foliage. Blooming for months from midsummer into fall, it creates a shimmering effect that complements borders, rock gardens, and pollinator plantings.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil; tolerates sandy or rocky sites
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Strongly aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits
Native Status
This plant is a cultivated selection likely derived from Calamintha nepeta, a species native to Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is not native to North America.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to native bumblebees, sweat bees, and honeybees which forage steadily throughout its long bloom period.
Butterflies
- Visited by small butterflies such as Pearl Crescent and Eastern Tailed Blue that feed on the abundant nectar.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides habitat and nectar for hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and predatory beetles that help control aphids and other pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow full mounding form and airflow between plants.
Landscape Placement
- Well suited to sunny borders, herb gardens, dry slopes, and rockeries. Pairs well with other drought tolerant and pollinator friendly perennials in naturalistic or cottage garden settings.
Companion Plants
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Offers aromatic foliage and early blooms for a continuous display of texture and scent.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Adds height and bold color contrast for bees and butterflies.
- Origanum laevigatum 'Herrenhausen' - Produces purplish flowers and herbal scent that harmonize in waterwise or Mediterranean style plantings.
- Achillea millefolium 'Moonshine' - Complements Calamintha with flat yellow flower heads and feathery gray foliage.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Provides upright blue spikes that echo Calamintha’s hues and attract similar pollinators.