About
Whorls of tiny, pale purple flowers appear on terminal spikes in summer. An aromatic perennial to 60cm, spreading by creeping rhizomes. The leaves are fresh green, broad and crinkled.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a poor, moist but well drained soil in full sun, and protect from excess winter wet. May have the potential to become a nuisance; restrict its spread by planting in deep containers and plunging them into the soil, or by growing in small, contained beds. Plants grown in pots will benefit from dividing every few years. See mint cultivation for more information
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to blue mint beetle, leafhoppers and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust