Clinopodium chinense
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −17.8 °C
Cultivation
Succeeds in almost any well-drained soil. A polymorphic species. Plants are best grown in a rock garden.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks at 21°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse. Plant them out in the summer if they have made sufficient growth, otherwise plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Division in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring. Cuttings of soft wood in May or June.
Edible uses
Young leaves - cooked. A sweet and aromatic herb tea is made from the leaves.
Habitat
Woods and thickets in hills and low mountains all over Japan.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan.