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Description
Clinopodium Coccineum, commonly known as Scarlet Calamint, is a beautiful perennial plant that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to North America, where it grows in rocky, dry or sandy habitats, such as prairies, savannas, and open woodlands. This plant is highly valued for its stunning scarlet-red flowers, which bloom from mid-summer until fall, and its aromatic foliage, which releases a pleasant minty scent when crushed. Scarlet Calamint is an excellent choice for gardeners who are looking for a low-maintenance plant that attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Clinopodium |
| Species: | Coccineum |
Appearance
Scarlet Calamint is a compact and bushy plant that can grow up to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide. It has a square stem that is covered with fine hairs and bears opposite leaves that are lance-shaped, dark green, and up to 2 inches long. In mid-summer, the plant produces dense spikes of tubular scarlet-red flowers that are 1/2 inch long and attract a wide range of pollinators. The flowers are followed by small nutlets that are released in fall. Scarlet Calamint is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought, heat, and poor soil conditions.
Care Guide
Water: Scarlet Calamint prefers well-drained soil and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.Fertilization: Scarlet Calamint does not require fertilization but can benefit from a light application of organic fertilizer in early spring.Soil: Scarlet Calamint grows best in sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and does not require much soil amendment.Sunlight: Scarlet Calamint prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.Hardiness Zones: Scarlet Calamint is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Scarlet Calamint is generally pest and disease resistant but can be affected by spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Scarlet Calamint can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, which can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and improving air circulation.
Habitat
Scarlet Calamint is native to North America, where it grows in rocky, dry, or sandy habitats, such as prairies, savannas, and open woodlands. It can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Scarlet Calamint is an important plant for pollinators and supports a variety of wildlife such as birds and small mammals.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Scarlet Calamint a good plant for container gardening?
A: Yes, Scarlet Calamint can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the plant receives enough sunlight.
Q: Can Scarlet Calamint be propagated by division?
A: Yes, Scarlet Calamint can be propagated by division in early spring or fall. Divide the plant into smaller clumps and replant them in well-drained soil.
Q: How often should I prune Scarlet Calamint?
A: Scarlet Calamint does not require frequent pruning but can be pruned in early spring to promote bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged stems.
Q: Can Scarlet Calamint be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Scarlet Calamint has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as colds, coughs, and indigestion. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using any plant for medicinal purposes.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Clinopodium genus that are related to Scarlet Calamint include:
- Clinopodium arkansanum
- Clinopodium georgianum
- Clinopodium glabellum
- Clinopodium grandiflorum
- Clinopodium mexicanum
- Clinopodium menthifolium
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Clinopodium coccineum. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282440
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. (n.d.). Clinopodium coccineum. Retrieved from https://arboretum.wisc.edu/trees-plants/gardening-landscape-resources/find-a-plant/plant/c/sc/clinopodium-coccineum/
- North Carolina State University Extension. (2018). Clinopodium coccineum. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clinopodium-coccineum/
