Japanese name: カラミント Scientific name:Clinopodium nepeta
[Overview]
A perennial 30–50 cm tall.
The stems branch well from the base and form a dense, rounded clump.
The stems have 4 ridges and are hairy.
The leaves are simple and opposite, ovate and about 2 cm long, with serrations; when rubbed, they give off a scent similar to mint.
Verticillasters at the stem tips bear small white to pale purple lipped flowers, with purple spots on the lower lip.
The fruit is a schizocarp.
[Uses]
The whole plant is used medicinally.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, by cuttings, or by division.
It grows in sun to partial shade, but more sun gives better flowering and a more compact plant.
It prefers well-drained, well-aerated soil.
It is weak against dryness, so for potted plants, water thoroughly as soon as the soil surface begins to dry.
For plants in the ground, almost no watering is needed once established, but water if the leaves wilt in summer.
Apply slow-release fertilizer around the plant in early spring and autumn.
Powdery mildew can occur.
