Overview
Mentha spicata Almira is a suckering herbs - culinary in the genus Mentha, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Mentha spicata Almira grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and cottage and informal garden.
About
Mentha spicata 'Almira' is a cultivar of Mentha, a genus of aromatic, rhizomatous perennial herbs known for their opposite, serrated leaves and summer clusters of small, tubular flowers arranged in whorled spikes. This deciduous, suckering herb thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. Hardy to UK zone H7, it suits both exposed and sheltered aspects, making it a versatile choice for wildlife gardens and cottage or informal garden settings. It is best propagated by division in spring or autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mentha
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Mentha spicata Almira size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mentha spicata Almira
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Leafhoppers, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Mint rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mentha spicata Almira?
Mentha spicata Almira prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Mentha spicata Almira need?
Mentha spicata Almira is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Mentha spicata Almira hardy in the UK?
Mentha spicata Almira has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Mentha spicata Almira?
Division in spring or autumn.
More in the Mentha genus
- Menthamint
- Mentha cervinahart's pennyroyal
- Mentha spicata 'Ingauno'
- Mentha suaveolens 'Calixte' (v)
- Mentha x piperita 'Multimentha'
- Mentha x piperita f. citrata 'Bergamot'eau de Cologne mint 'Bergamot'
- Mentha x piperita f. citrata 'Granada Orange'
- Mentha arvensis var. arvensis