Overview
Mentha arvensis var. arvensis is a suckering herbs - culinary in the genus Mentha, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Mentha arvensis var. arvensis 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 arvensis var. arvensis is a cultivar of the Mentha genus, which comprises aromatic, rhizomatous perennial herbs with opposite, serrated leaves. This deciduous, suckering herb thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and flowers in summer, producing clusters of small, tubular flowers in whorled spikes. Suitable for wildlife gardens and informal cottage gardens, it is best propagated by division in spring or autumn.
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 arvensis var. arvensis 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 arvensis var. arvensis
- 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 arvensis var. arvensis?
Mentha arvensis var. arvensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Mentha arvensis var. arvensis need?
Mentha arvensis var. arvensis 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 arvensis var. arvensis hardy in the UK?
Mentha arvensis var. arvensis 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 arvensis var. arvensis?
Division in spring or autumn.
More in the Mentha genus
- Menthamint
- 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. villosa