About
A vigorous rhizomatous herbaceous perennial to 90cm tall, with rounded, softly hairy, apple-scented leaves to 4cm long, and dense spikes of tiny pale purple flowers in late summer and early autumn.
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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native toEurope, N Africa, SW Asia
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor, moist soil in full sun. Can spread far and wide, and has the potential to become a nuisance so plant in deep containers and plunge these into the soil. See mint cultivation for more information
PruningCut back at the end of the growing season
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame in spring. Plant portions of rhizome any time during the growing season; pot these up until they are established. Root tip cuttings can be taken in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to green mint beetle, blue mint beetle, mint moth and sage leaf hopper
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially during drought and mint rust