The calamint delights us from summer to autumn with its fragrant blooms. And even bees can't resist the wonderfully fragrant flowers.
The stone quenelle (Calamintha nepeta) should not be missing in any garden bed, because the easy-care plant not only adorns itself with pretty little flowers, it also spreads an aromatic scent. The perennial is also known under the denomination Carmint. The aromatic leaves can add a fresh touch to dishes. Steinquedel can be planted in the perennial border or convince in the cottage garden.
Origin of the Steinquedel
The stone quenelle is counted among the lamiaceae. The genus Calamintha stands for "beautiful mint". Therefore, the designations Glandular Calamint or Small-flowered Calamint have become common.
It is a plant native to Central Europe. The natural range extends across North Africa to western Asia. In the wild, the stone quenelle occurs in rocky mountainous areas or in dry deciduous forests. The perennial blooms and the aromatic scent of the leaves have made calamint a popular garden plant.
| Rock mint (Calamintha nepeta) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | bushy, clump-forming |
| Growth: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 40 cm |
| Flower: | July to September |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | dry, well drained, poor in nutrients, rocky |
Suitable location for the quenelle
The stone quenelle should be planted in full sun. The typical mint aroma will only develop in a warm and sunny location. In shady locations, on the other hand, the plant is hardly willing to flower. If you want to enjoy the small, blue flowers well into autumn, you should therefore choose an open, warm sunny spot for the Mediterranean plant.
Carmint can find its place in the rock garden or for greeningDry stone walls are used.
Tip: The stone witch hazel is particularly attractive in combination with roses or gypsophila.
If you want to enjoy the look and scent of the plants on the balcony or terrace, you can also cultivate the stone quenelle in a bucket.
Ideal substrate for the stone cinder
The plant is considered quite undemanding. A dry, lean soil corresponds to the natural growth conditions. The substrate should not be too dense, because the liquid must always be able to drain off easily. The plants do not tolerate waterlogging. At the same time, it is important that the soil does not dry out completely.
Tip: Enrichment with sand or gravel makes compacted soil more permeable.
Planting cinnamon - step by step
1. Determine location2. Prepare substrate
3. Observe planting distance
4. Dig planting hole
5. Install root barrier6. Insert the plant
7. Fill up the substrate
8. Press the soil
9. Water the plant
➔ Stone quenelle - when to plant?
The stone cinnamon can be planted all year round on frost-free days. Spring and autumn are best for planting perennials. A planting distance of 35 to 40 cm should be maintained.
Tip: Calamint should not be replanted if possible. This must be taken into account when choosing the location.
Since the plants quickly form runners and therefore tend to spread uncontrollably, it is advisable to create a root barrier. Of course, the growth is also contained when planting in containers.
Cultivate rock thyme/cathymint
➔ Water quendel
The calamint does not need to be watered regularly outdoors. Just make sure the soil doesn't dry out completely. A water requirement is indicated by the plants independently by the stone witch hazel hanging its leaves. Water moderately to avoid waterlogging.
Potted plants need more frequent watering because the nutrient supply in the planter is far lower than outdoors. Excess irrigation water must be able to drain off easily. Make sure that the liquid does not accumulate in the saucer and make sure there are enough drainage holes in the bottom of the planter.
➔ Fertilize thyme
The nutrient requirement of the plant is low. It is therefore sufficient to mix some ripe compost or horn shavings under the substrate when planting. This can thenbe repeated annually in spring. Further fertilization is not required.
➔ Cut thyme
To prevent the plant from becoming bare, the stone quenelle is shortened by around two-thirds in length after the flowering period. So that the calamint does not eagerly sow itself, you must cut back the plant promptly before the seed pods form.
Summary of planting and care tips
| Activity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Find location | • warm • open • sunny • dry |
| Prepare the ground | • fresh • well drained • lean |
| Casting | • tolerates drought • water moderately • avoid waterlogging |
| Fertilize | • compost or horn shavings • fertilize at planting and annually in spring |
| Cut | • Cut back after flowering • Cut back before seed formation prevents self-seeding |
Increase stone quenelle
If older plants start to bare from their middle, it is advisable to divide the thyme. Not only do you gain new plants, you also rejuvenate the mother plant and ensure strong and he althy growth.
➔ Sharing quenelle - step by step
1. Dig up the plant completely2. Remove soil from the roots
3. Check the roots for damage4. Divide the root ball with a pointed spade
5. Plant the root sections separately
6. Maintain the plant as usual
➔ Other ways of propagation
The propagation is also by seeding possible. The seeds can be grown indoors or sown directly into the cold frame in spring. You can also cut and propagate cuttings. You play it safe that the young plants bring the properties of the mother plant with them. This is not guaranteed when sowing and the hobby gardener can experience one or the other botanical surprise with this type of propagation.
Tip: If you want to grow calamint from seeds, it is better to use commercially available seeds.
Diseases and pests on stone quenelle
The intense aroma of the plants drives away pests. While bees and hoverflies flock to the calamint, snails avoid the plant. From time to time powdery mildew can occur. The fungal infestation can be recognized by a coating reminiscent of flour, which differs fromcan be stripped off the leaves. Treatment with a milk-water solution or spraying with field horsetail broth helps against powdery mildew.
Warning: The biggest enemy of the stone quench is waterlogging. The plant, which is used to drought, cannot survive in permanently moist soil.
Winter stone quenelle
Young plants should be protected from frost with a covering of leaves or brushwood. If the plants are well established, the frost can no longer harm them and no additional winter protection is necessary.
Calmine grown in tubs should move to a sheltered spot during the cold season.