About
A marginal, aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial to 90cm in height, spread by long thin segmented rhizomes, often reddish-purple stems and very aromatic dark green leaves, and in summer produces rounded terminal spikes of tiny, pinkish-purple flowers.
About the genus
Mentha are aromatic, rhizomatous perennials with opposite, toothed leaves and small tubular flowers in spikes of whorls in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurasia
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible powdery mildews or mint rust if allowed to become too dry