About
An attractive, creeping, herbaceous perennial, perfectly suited to wet ground or in water, with narrow, lance-shaped, aromatic, green leaves and small white flowers that appear in tight whorls in summer. Leaves and flowers are edible and fantastic for pollinators.
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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitSpreading branched, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well drained soil in full or partial sun. May have to potential to become a nuisance; plant in a well chosen site where it can grow unrestricted. See mint cultivation for more information
PruningCut back after flowering in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to caterpillars and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to mint rust and powdery mildews