About
A strong-growing perennial forming an extensive colony to 40cm tall, with softly hairy, apple-scented pale green leaves margined with cream, and tiny mauve flowers in dense spikes in late 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
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
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Coastal
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well drained soil in full or partial sun. 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 at the end of the growing season
PropagationPropagate by dividing and planting rhizomes 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 and mint rust, especially in dry conditions