Calamintha nepetoides ‘White Cloud’, commonly known as White Cloud Catmint, is a charming, clump-forming perennial known for its airy clouds of tiny white flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. Though non-native, this long-blooming, mint-scented herb attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout its extended season. It typically grows 18 to 24 inches tall and wide, forming a tidy mound with fine-textured, gray-green foliage that adds softness and movement to borders, rock gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings. White Cloud thrives in sunny, well-drained soils and is notably deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established.

Why choose White Cloud Catmint:

• Long-season blooms: Tiny white flowers appear for months, attracting pollinators

• Compact and fragrant: Mint-scented foliage and neat form suit small gardens

• Low-maintenance: Drought- and deer-resistant, with little need for care

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Best in full sun

• Soil needs: Requires well-drained soil; thrives in sandy or gravelly conditions

• Maintenance: Cut back by half in midsummer to refresh foliage and encourage reblooming

Designs for your garden:

• Pollinator gardens: Continuous blooms support bees and butterflies

• Edging and borders: Soft texture and color contrast well with bolder perennials

• Rock and herb gardens: Ideal for hot, dry spots and informal plantings

Ecological considerations:

• Non-native species: While attractive to pollinators, it is not a host plant for native insects

• Limited wildlife support: Offers nectar but not larval food sources

• Pair with natives: Combine with native species to increase overall biodiversity

Looking for native alternatives?

Pycnanthemum muticum – Short-toothed Mountain Mint: Aromatic native perennial with silvery bracts and nectar-rich blooms that attract a wide array of pollinators.
Monarda punctata – Spotted Beebalm: Native mint family member with whorled purple-spotted flowers loved by bees and butterflies.
Agastache foeniculum – Anise Hyssop: A fragrant native perennial with purple flower spikes and licorice-scented foliage, perfect for sunny pollinator gardens.