What is CALAMINT?

(Calamintha. Nat. Ord. Labiatae).This is not much grown, but it is somewhat ornamental and may well be included in big gardens. All the species are hardy and of very easy culture, thus they are good plants for beginners. See also article on Potherbs. Annual Species.These are sown out of doors in a sunny site in late March or April. Only one species need be described here : Calamintha Acinos.A species with purplish-blue flowers which open in July. Its height averages about 6 ins. Perennial Border Species. We describe a few good sorts below : Calamintha caroliniana.A bright red, scarlet, or crimson sort, vivid and attractive, blooming from June onwards. Height about 12 ins. C. coccinea.An attractive bright scarlet sort, blooming all the summer. Height, 12-24 ins. C. grandiflora.This is the species usually grown. There appear to 1 This is known as Basil Thyme. Editor.be several forms of it. Authorities describe it variously as a red and a purple. The form we are familiar with is, however, a bright rose one. It blooms from July onwards, and averages about i ft. high. C. mimuloides.An attractive sort, with flowers which are almost orange coloured. It blooms in June and July, and averages i8 ins. high. Rock Garden Species.Only one species is suitable for the rock garden. This thrives in sunny situations if set in gritty soil, and is propagated by seeds sown in the spring. It seeds itself readily if left alone. Calamintha alpina.A plant of neat habit producing purple flowers in June and July. Its height averages about 4 ins. See also POTHERBS.