About
A strong-growing perennial forming a wide colony of dark purple stems bearing oval leaves tinged with purple, and scented like Eau de Cologne, with tiny pale purple 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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
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 old stems at the end of the year to ground level
PropagationPropagate by seed, sowing in containers in a cold frame in spring. Divide plants in spring or autumn. Softwood cuttings may be taken in the spring. Pieces of rhizome can be potted up at any time of the growing season and grown on until established after which they can be planted out
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust