Overview
Mentha piperita 'Chocolate' is a suckering herb in the genus Mentha, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Mentha piperita 'Chocolate' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loamy and sandy soils and 6.0-7.5 pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include culinary, herbal tea and garden borders.
About
Peppermint is a hybrid species of mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Peppermint
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
- loamy, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Mentha piperita 'Chocolate' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herb
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- culinary, herbal tea, garden borders
- Fragrance
- minty with a hint of chocolate
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mentha piperita 'Chocolate'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; keep evenly moist; mulch in winter
- Pruning
- Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth; cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- stem cuttings,division
- Pest resistance
- Leafhoppers, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Mint rust
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Mentha piperita 'Chocolate'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; keep evenly moist; mulch in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Mentha piperita 'Chocolate'?
Mentha piperita 'Chocolate' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Mentha piperita 'Chocolate' need?
Mentha piperita 'Chocolate' grows best in loamy and sandy soil. It prefers 6.0-7.5 soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Mentha piperita 'Chocolate'?
Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth; cut back after flowering.
Is Mentha piperita 'Chocolate' hardy in the UK?
Mentha piperita 'Chocolate' 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 piperita 'Chocolate'?
Stem cuttings,division.
