White Flower Farm
Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking long-lasting, deer-resistant summer color.
Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta, also known as Calamint, is a standout perennial, celebrated as the 2021 Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year®. It graces the garden with a continuous cascade of dainty, lavender-and-white flowers from August until frost. Its soft, mid-green foliage releases a delightful tart, minty fragrance when touched, making it perfect for the front of borders. This adaptable plant thrives in full sun and offers excellent heat and drought tolerance, while also being resistant to deer. For best results, leave its fine stems over winter to catch snow, and prune back in spring.
$17.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
19
/ 2989
#19 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-38%
Below average
Lifespan
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Gardeners living in areas with high deer and rabbit pressure
- Eco-conscious gardeners supporting local bee and pollinator populations
- Busy homeowners seeking low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscape additions
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious landscapers planning large-scale garden installations
- Minimalist gardeners who prefer low-maintenance, non-spreading plant varieties
- Designers looking for bold, high-impact floral focal points
Performance breakdown
Bloom Longevity
Continuous flowering from late summer until frost provides exceptional seasonal color.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deer-resistant foliage keeps your garden borders safe from hungry wildlife.
Environmental Resilience
High heat and drought tolerance ensure survival during challenging summer conditions.
Pollinator Appeal
A magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season.
Maintenance Ease
Simple spring pruning is all that is required for healthy growth.
Versatility
Compact habit works beautifully in both garden borders and decorative containers.
Key Specs
Lifespan
Perennial
Mature Height
18 inches
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 to 9
Bloom Time
Late-summer through fall
Foliage Color
Mid-green
Flower Color
Lavender-and-white
Plant Spacing
15 inches recommended
Ships as
1 PINT container
Features
- Blooms continuously from August to frost
- Fragrant minty leaves when crushed
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- High heat and drought tolerance
- Deer resistant and doesn't flop
- Returns year after year
- Suitable for containers
- Ideal for border fronts
What customers say
Gardeners highly value Lesser Calamint for its exceptional reliability and long bloom time, often flowering continuously from summer until the first frost. Its primary appeal is its unparalleled attractiveness to pollinators, frequently earning it the title of a “bee magnet.” Customers report receiving healthy, quality plants ready for immediate growth. While establishment can be slow initially, the plant proves overwhelmingly dependable afterward, showing strong drought tolerance and natural resistance to deer and rabbits, which significantly reduces maintenance. This perennial offers a high impact for low effort, making it a highly recommended, worthwhile investment for dependable, season-long garden beauty.
Know before you buy
This plant offers a long-lasting display, blooming continuously from August until the first frost of the season.
Yes, it is considered deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern.
For the best results, leave the fine stems standing throughout the winter to help catch snow, then prune the plant back in early spring.
Absolutely. Its compact growth habit and heat tolerance make it an excellent candidate for decorative containers or pots.
Calamint performs best in a spot that receives full sun and has well-drained, loamy soil. It is quite adaptable, but good drainage is essential to prevent root issues.
We recommend spacing your plants 15 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and to ensure they have enough room to reach their mature height of 18 inches.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$17