Long blooming and ground cover do not typically go together. Montrose White Calamint not only makes for a tough groundcover for sunny spots, it stays in bloom for weeks, enticing and feeding beneficial pollinators and hummingbirds. The white flowers and green foliage of calamint are highly fragrant, similar to other plants in the mint family. Calamintha nepeta is native to parts of Europe and the Mediterranean region where it grows on hillsides and in free-draining and somewhat rocky soils. Montrose White is a cultivar that spreads by rooting rhizomes on the soil but rarely sets viable seeds, making it easy to control in a garden bed.
Montrose White Calamint is a great replacement for Baby’s Breath or other short-flowering perennial filler plants. Plant Montrose White in front of roses and other flowering shrubs that tend to have naked lower branches. Add this perennial to large mixed seasonal planters as a filler to add a refreshing green and white contrast. The soft and fluffy look of this calamint in full bloom stands out against broadleaf evergreen shrubs or more architectural perennials such as bearded iris, hostas, and ferns. Browsing from deer and rabbits is rarely a problem for plants in the mint family. After Montrose White is established, supplemental watering is only needed during periods of drought or high heat.
Montrose White Calamint Care
Calamint will grow well in almost any soil as long as the drainage is good year-round. Full sun is ideal to encourage a long flowering period, although gardeners in the hotter growing zones will have success providing shade during the hottest part of the day. Supplemental fertilizing is rarely needed, although light mulching annually with organic compost or shredded leaves will help to enrich the soil and reduce water loss.
Deadheading or regular pruning is not necessary to keep Montrose White in a mounded, compact shape. Avoid cutting the plant back before spring to allow nonmigratory birds to feed on the seeds and other wildlife to use the scrubby growth as winter cover. Extra winter protection is not necessary. Ensure that container-grown plants have excellent drainage through the winter to prevent root rot.
Montrose White Calamint Spacing
The overall height and width of Montrose White Calamint is 1-2 feet. Space plants 16 inches apart when planting as a ground cover or with other perennials for a naturalized look. Calamint can be tucked into the edges of a planter as a filler.
Montrose White Calamint Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 – 9
Plant Type:
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height: 12 -18 Inches
Mature Spread: 12 – 18 Inches
Spacing: 12 – 18 Inches
Habit: Clumping
Flower Color(s): White
Flower Description: White Shades
Bloom Period: Summer to Fall
Foliage Type: Herbaceous
Foliage Color(s): Green
Foliage Description: Green Shades
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
