About
Mentha requienii, Corsican mint, is a vigorous, mat-forming perennial barely 1 cm tall forming an extensive colony of creeping, rooting stems bearing tiny, rounded, peppermint-scented, bright-green leaves to 7 mm across. Tubular, lilac flowers are produced in short spikes in summer. An excellent, very low-growing aromatic ground cover for a sunny, moist position between paving stones.
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 shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toItaly, France (Corsica)
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationAdapts to a range of conditions, but best in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. 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
PruningTidy or trim over after flowering if necessary
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to sage leafhopper and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially during drought conditions, and mint rust