Photo: Margoth195, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Lesser calamint: when and how to prune
Clinopodium nepeta
Lesser calamint is best pruned in March–April.
| Pruning months | March–April |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Lesser calamint: when to prune it?
In March–April, when the new green shoots at the base become visible.
Lesser calamint: how to prune it?
- Cut the old, spent stems back to just above the new shoots at the base.
- Do not cut into old, woody growth that has no new shoots.
- Leave the stems standing in autumn: they protect the plant and shelter insects.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March–April.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Lesser calamint flowers in July–October, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If you only cut back in March–April, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Caution: Do not prune in autumn: the plant overwinters better with its old stems on.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Lesser calamint · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.