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.
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
- 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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Mentha genus
- Mentha longifoliahorse mint
- Mentha × gentilis 'Variegata'Variegated Mint
- Mentha × rotundifolia 'Variegata'Variegated Mint
