About
A herbaceous perennial which dies down over winter, with slightly hairy green leaves held in pairs on a dark purplish stem. The flowers are small, pale mauve, and grow in ball-shaped clusters forming a spike in late summer. There are numerous cultivated selections with a range of minty scents from chocolate to lemon.
About the genus
Mentha are aromatic, rhizomatous perennials with opposite, toothed leaves and small tubular flowers in spikes of whorls in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division or by cuttings at any time of year
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free