Clinopodium chinense aka Calamintha Chinensis Grandiflora

Clinopodium chinense is a perennial in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range spans the Russian Far East and temperate East Asia. It also reaches northern Indo-China. Records include China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and parts of eastern Russia. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The RHS lists Calamintha chinensis as a synonym.

This herb grows to about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall. Plants vary in form within the species. In Japan, it grows in woods and thickets on hills. It also occurs in low mountains and sunny meadows. These sites range from lowlands to about 4,920 feet [1,500 metres]. Its garden uses include woodland beds and partly shaded edges. PFAF also suggests growing it in a rock garden.

Flowers appear from August to September, according to PFAF. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees and other insects pollinate them. Seeds ripen from September to October, after the flowering season. The supplied species evidence gives no flower colour or fruit description. It also gives no details of leaf shape or stems. The RHS flower description covers the genus, rather than this species.

Grow it in moist soil that lets excess water drain. It accepts sandy soil, loam, and clay with good drainage. Soil may be mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. It grows in full sun or partial shade. PFAF lists a USDA hardiness range of zones 6–9. Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Cover the seed with only a thin layer of compost. At 21°C, germination usually takes about two weeks. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Grow them under glass before planting out when well grown. Divide clumps in spring, or take softwood cuttings in May or June. Pot small divisions until they have rooted well.

Young leaves can be cooked and eaten. The leaves also make a sweet, scented herbal tea. PFAF gives the plant an edibility score of two out of five. It records no known hazards, though this does not establish pet safety. It lists no known medicinal or other uses. PFAF does not flag the species as a weed. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.