Overview
Mentha aquatica is a suckering bogs in the genus Mentha, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Mentha aquatica grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and wildlife gardens. It is native to Eurasia.
About
Mentha aquatica is a perennial plant that thrives in wet conditions, reaching heights of up to 90 cm. It spreads through elongated, segmented rhizomes and features slender stems that may display a reddish-purple hue. The dark green foliage is highly aromatic, contributing to the plant's distinctive scent. During the summer months, it produces small, rounded clusters of pinkish-purple flowers at the tips of its stems.
About the genus
Mentha consists of aromatic, rhizomatous perennial plants characterized by their opposite, serrated leaves. In summer, they produce clusters of small, tubular flowers arranged in whorled spikes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mentha
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Mentha aquatica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bogs, Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Eurasia
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mentha aquatica
- Cultivation
- Grow in baskets in a large pond in water up to 25cm deep, or grow in muddy pool margins. Grow in full sun to encourage flowering. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not well managed. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible powdery mildews or mint rust if allowed to become too dry
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Mentha aquatica?
Grow in baskets in a large pond in water up to 25cm deep, or grow in muddy pool margins. Grow in full sun to encourage flowering. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not well managed. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Mentha aquatica?
Mentha aquatica prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Mentha aquatica need?
Mentha aquatica grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How do I prune Mentha aquatica?
Cut back after flowering.
How big does Mentha aquatica grow?
Mentha aquatica reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Mentha aquatica hardy in the UK?
Mentha aquatica has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Mentha aquatica?
Propagate by division in spring.
Is Mentha aquatica good for pollinators?
Yes — Mentha aquatica attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.