Overview
Mentha is a suckering herbs - culinary in the genus Mentha, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Mentha grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and cottage and informal garden.
About
Mentha, commonly known as mint, is a genus of aromatic, rhizomatous perennial herbs in the Lamiaceae family. These plants have opposite, serrated leaves and produce clusters of small, tubular flowers in whorled spikes during summer. As a deciduous, suckering herbaceous perennial, Mentha thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. It is hardy in the UK (H7) and is suitable for wildlife gardens and cottage or informal garden settings.
About the genus
Mentha, also known as mint, is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is estimated that 18 to 24 species exist, but the exact distinction between species is unclear. Hybridization occurs naturally where some species' ranges overlap.
Wikipedia contributors, "Mentha", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mentha
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mentha
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Mentha size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mentha
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Leafhoppers, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Mint rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mentha?
Mentha prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Mentha need?
Mentha is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Mentha hardy in the UK?
Mentha has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Mentha?
Division in spring or autumn.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Mentha genus
- Mentha longifoliahorse mint
- Mentha × gentilis 'Variegata'Variegated Mint
- Mentha × rotundifolia 'Variegata'Variegated Mint
