About
A strong-growing, rhizomatous perennial to 90cm tall, with rounded, scented leaves covered in silvery hairs, 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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-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
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a poor, moist soil in full sun. Grow in moist but well drained soil in full or partial sun. May have the 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 at the end of the growing season
PropagationPropagate by planting 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