The Well-Tended Perennial Garden The Essential Guide to Planting and Pruning Techniques, Third Edition

area with good air circulation, espe-

cially in humid climates.

related plantS Clinopodium

grandiflorum ‘Variegata’, with

white-flecked foliage, is more popular

than the species. It’s shorter and less

vigorous than the type. Prune out

all-green reversions as soon as they

appear, or they may take over. If

allowed to self-sow, this selection will

likely produce variegated seedlings.

Clinopodium nepeta

lesser calamint

lamiaceae

Clouds of dainty white or pale blue flowers;

Small fragrant gray-green leaves

Blooms July–October

12–18 in. high; 12–18 in. wide

Full sun

Zones 5–7

pruning Lesser calamint flowers for

a long period even without deadhead-

ing. If plants do look spent or

unshapely in late summer, tidy them

up with hedge shears; flowering will

resume about 6 weeks later if weather

permits. Plants bloom until hard

frost—often until November in mild

climates. Lesser calamint sometimes

reseeds; shear in early September

before seed set if this is a problem.

This species is frequently short-lived,

however, and volunteer replacements

are usually welcomed. Leave plants

standing over the winter and cut back

any remaining dead top growth in

early spring.

other maintenance This

unassuming perennial isn’t over-

whelming in flower, but it makes a

useful filler, edging, or container plant

and boasts an exceedingly long bloom

time. Lesser calamint flourishes in

well-drained soil on the dry side and is

drought tolerant once established.

related plantS ‘White Cloud’ and

‘Blue Cloud’ are popular selections.

‘Montrose White’ is a sterile form.

Coreopsis grandiflora

tickseed

compoSitae

Golden-yellow flower heads; narrow green

leaves on bushy plants

2–3 ft. (2/3–1 ft.) high; 1 ft. wide

Full sun

Blooms June–August

Zones 4–9

pruning Tickseed needs daily

deadheading. Cut the entire flowering

Clinopodium grandiflorum

Clinopodium nepeta