About
Mentha longifolia, the horse mint, is a spreading, aromatic perennial to 1.2 m with hairy, grey-green to green leaves with a musty, minty scent. Branched, tapering spires of tiny, pale-purple or white flowers are produced in mid- to late summer. An ornamental and useful mint for a sunny, moist border.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, N Africa, SW Asia
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well drained soil in full or partial sun. May have to potential to become a nuisance; restrict the root run in a deep container and plunge into the ground, or plant in a well chosen site where it can grow unrestricted. See mint cultivation for more information
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to caterpillars, cuckoo spit (froghoppers) and mint beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust