Overview
Mentha cervina is a bushy bogs in the genus Mentha, part of the Lamiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Mentha cervina grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens and patio and container plants. It is native to Portugal Continental.
About
Mentha cervina, commonly known as hart's pennyroyal, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Mentha (mint) genus. It is native to the western Mediterranean Sea region, growing naturally from southwestern France to the Iberian Peninsula, and south to Azores, Morocco and Algeria. The plants were associated due to their shared high pulegone content, which gives them both a distinctive, strong aroma. A sprawling herb growing up to 30 cm tall, Mentha cervina has been used both whole and as its essential oil in a variety of culinary and traditional medical contexts. It grows to around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and clay and loam soil. It tolerates soil of any pH, poorly-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing, north-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mentha cervina
About the genus
Mentha, also known as mint, is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is estimated that 18 to 24 species exist, but the exact distinction between species is unclear. Hybridization occurs naturally where some species' ranges overlap.
Wikipedia contributors, "Mentha", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mentha
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
- H7
Plant details
Mentha cervina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mentha cervina
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Mint rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mentha cervina?
Mentha cervina prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Mentha cervina need?
Mentha cervina grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How big does Mentha cervina grow?
Mentha cervina reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Mentha cervina hardy in the UK?
Mentha cervina 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 cervina?
Seed, Division in spring or autumn.
