Melissa montana, commonly known as Lesser Calamint, is a semi-deciduous perennial subshrub or herb native to a variety of habitats including rocky slopes, scrublands, and open woodlands across the Mediterranean region, the Balkans, and the Caucasus. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters), forming a bushy mound of aromatic foliage. The leaves are small, oval, and slightly hairy, contributing to the plant’s overall texture. Lesser Calamint produces a profusion of small, tubular flowers that are white, pink, and purple, blooming from summer through to winter, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.

In garden settings, Lesser Calamint is valued for its extended flowering period, aromatic leaves, and its ability to attract beneficial insects. It is often used in herb gardens, as ground cover, and in border plantings. This plant is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens. It prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it thrives in well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it may benefit from light pruning to maintain a compact shape. There are no significant disease or pest problems, but in some regions, it can become invasive if not managed properly.CC BY-SA 4.0