About
A vigorous, spreading, deciduous perennial with whorls of small, ovate, strongly aromatic, green to purple-black leaves. Dense terminal spikes of tubular, pink flowers appear from August to October.
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, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a poor, moist but well drained soil in full sun, and protect from excess winter wet. May have the potential to become a nuisance; restrict its spread by planting in deep containers and plunging them into the soil, or by growing in small, contained beds. See mint cultivation for more information
PruningCut back older stems to the base 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