About
A herbaceous perennial 30cm or more high with mostly upright stems and some prostrate spreading stems, narrowly elliptic to rounded, sharply aromatic, slightly toothed, vivid green leaves, to 3cm long, and whorled spikes of lilac flowers in summer. This variety of mint is not edible.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
FragranceFoliage
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in sun or partial shade in rich, moist, and preferably sandy, acidic soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn, or by softwood cuttings, which will root at the nodes if placed in moist compost or water, during the growing season; it may be short-lived, so it is helpful to propagate reserve plants every year
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to caterpillars and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust