About

A spreading perennial 30-90cm tall, with softly-hairy, rounded, aromatic bright-green leaves. In summer, tiny tubular pink flowers are produced in large, leafy spikes.

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 typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any moist soil in sun or shade. May have to potential to become a nuisance; restrict root run or grow in a container. See mint cultivation for further details
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to Sage leafhopper and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust