Overview

Mentha spicata 'Ingauno' is a suckering herbs - culinary in the genus Mentha, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Mentha spicata 'Ingauno' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.

About

Mentha spicata 'Ingauno' 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 in whorled spikes. This deciduous, suckering herb thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and can be grown in full sun or partial shade, tolerating a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for cottage and informal gardens as well as patios and containers, it is hardy to UK zone H5 and is best propagated by planting rhizome portions or root-tip cuttings in spring. It offers seasonal interest in spring and summer.

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, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Mentha spicata 'Ingauno' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Suckering
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Mentha spicata 'Ingauno'

Propagation
Propagate by planting portions of rhizome any any time during the growing season; pot these up until they are established. Root-tip cuttings can be taken in spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to green mint beetle, blue mint beetle, mint moth and sage leaf hopper
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially during drought and mint rust

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Mentha spicata 'Ingauno'?

Mentha spicata 'Ingauno' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Mentha spicata 'Ingauno' need?

Mentha spicata 'Ingauno' 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 'Ingauno' hardy in the UK?

Mentha spicata 'Ingauno' 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 spicata 'Ingauno'?

Propagate by planting portions of rhizome any any time during the growing season; pot these up until they are established. Root-tip cuttings can be taken in spring.

More in the Mentha genus

Browse all Mentha