About
Mentha cervina, hart's pennyroyal, is a clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial to 30 cm with slender, lance-shaped, aromatic leaves and whorls of pale-blue to lilac flowers from midsummer into autumn. An ornamental and aromatic mint for a moist, sunny border or pond margin.
About the genus
Mentha, the mints, are aromatic, rhizomatous perennials with opposite, toothed leaves and small, tubular flowers in spikes or whorls in summer. Widely grown as culinary herbs and ornamental border plants.
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 hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toSW Europe
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in permanently moist soil, or in water up to 10cm deep, in sun or semi-shade. May have to potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust