Common Name Biological name Type Family Native Range Zone Height Spread Bloom Time Bloom Description Sun Water Maintenance Flower Leaf Attracts Tolerate Suggested Use |
apple mint Mentha suaveolens Herbaceous perennial Lamiaceae Southern and western Europe 5 to 9 1.00 to 2.00 feet 1.00 to 2.00 feet July to August Pink to white Full sun to part shade Medium to wet Medium Showy Fragrant Butterflies Rabbit, Deer, Wet Soil Annual, Ground Cover, Herb, Naturalize, Rain Garden |
Best grown in rich, moist soils in full sun to part shade. Adapts to a wide range of soils except dry ones. Large plantings may be sheared after bloom to remove flower spikes and stimulate new vegetative growth. Soil barriers may be used to restrain rhizomatous spread if plants are grown in borders or other areas where spread is unwanted. Mentha suaveolens, often called apple mint, is a rhizomatous, upright perennial which is most commonly grown as a culinary herb and/or ground cover. It typically grows to 2′ tall and spreads by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover. Features oblong to ovate light green leaves (to 2″ long) and terminal spikes of small pink to white flowers in summer. Leaves have a fruity fragrance and taste, and may be used to flavor teas or in salads or as a garnish. Genus name comes from Minthe or Menthe, a water nymph in Greek mythology, who was transformed by Persephone into a mint plant in revenge for Minthe’s ongoing affair with Hades (husband of Persephone). Herb gardens. Naturalize as a ground cover in moist informal areas such as pond/water garden margins or low open woodland areas. |
Information on this page is from Missouri Botanical Gardens, Dave’s Garden, All things Plants, Texas Superstar or Aggie Horticulture |
This page last updated or reviewed [220724]