Mentha arvensis var. villosa — Suckering

Overview

Mentha arvensis var. villosa is a suckering herbs - culinary in the genus Mentha, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Mentha arvensis var. villosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.

About

Mentha arvensis var. villosa is a cultivar of the Mentha genus, which comprises aromatic, rhizomatous perennial herbs with opposite, serrated leaves and clusters of small tubular flowers in summer. This cultivar is a deciduous, suckering herbaceous perennial suited to full sun or partial shade in south- or west-facing positions. It thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is ideal for cottage and informal gardens as well as patio containers, with interest in spring and summer. Propagation is by rhizome sections or spring root-tip cuttings.

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, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Mentha arvensis var. villosa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Suckering
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Mentha arvensis var. villosa

Propagation: Propagate by planting portions of rhizome any any time during the growing season; pot these up until they are established. Root-tip cuttings can be taken in spring
Pest resistance: May be susceptible to green mint beetle, blue mint beetle, mint moth and sage leaf hopper
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially during drought and mint rust

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Mentha arvensis var. villosa?

Mentha arvensis var. villosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Mentha arvensis var. villosa need?

Mentha arvensis var. villosa 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. villosa hardy in the UK?

Mentha arvensis var. villosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Mentha arvensis var. villosa?

Propagate by planting portions of rhizome any any time during the growing season; pot these up until they are established. Root-tip cuttings can be taken in spring.

More in the Mentha genus

Browse all Mentha →