About
A perennial spreading by creeping rhizomes. The leaves are lime green and crinkled with a clear, sweet, mint flavour. Tiny white flowers appear on terminal spikes in summer.
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
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 any moist soil, in any situation, though less hardy than some other mints. 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
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust