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.
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.
More in the Mentha genus
- Mentha cervinahart's pennyroyal
- Mentha spicata 'Ingauno'
- Mentha suaveolens 'Calixte' (v)
- Mentha x piperita 'Multimentha'
- Mentha x piperita f. citrata 'Bergamot'eau de Cologne mint 'Bergamot'
- Mentha x piperita f. citrata 'Granada Orange'
- Mentha arvensis var. arvensis
- Mentha arvensis var. villosa