About
Tight terminal clusters of mauve-pink flowers appear in summer. An attractive, slightly unusual, spreading, deciduous perennial herb with neat, oval , hairy, slightly curly, aromatic, mid-green leaves. Both flowers and leaves are edible and excellent to use in refreshing summer drinks.
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, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitSpreading branched, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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 after flowering in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed or division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to caterpillars and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to mint rust and powdery mildews