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Mentha spicata

spearmint

© RHS 2002
Sold by 29 nurseries

  • Other common names spearmint
    common mint

    garden mint
    green pea mint
    lamb mint
    mackerel mint
    Mary's herb
    sage of Bethlehem

    see more

  • Synonyms Mentha spicata 'English Lamb Mint'
    Mentha viridis

  • Family Lamiaceae

  • Genus Mentha are aromatic, rhizomatous perennials with opposite, toothed leaves and small tubular flowers in spikes of whorls in summer

  • Details M. spicata is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial forming an extensive colony of erect stems bearing spearmint-scented, lance-shaped leaves, and small light purple flowers in interrupted terminal spikes

  • Plant range S&C Europe

Characteristics

  • Foliage Deciduous

  • Habit Suckering

  • Fragrance Leaf

  • Hardiness

    Hardiness ratings

    All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

    • H1a - Under glass all year (>15C)
    • H1b - Can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
    • H1c - Can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
    • H2 - Tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
    • H3 - Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
    • H4 - Hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
    • H5 - Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
    • H6 - Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
    • H7 - Hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

    H7

Colour

Sunlight

  • Full Sun

  • Partial Shade

  • Aspect North-facing or South-facing or East-facing or West-facing

  • Exposure Sheltered or Exposed

Soil

  • Chalk

    Chalk

  • Clay

    Clay

  • Sand

    Sand

  • Loam

    Loam

  • MoisturePoorly-drained, Moist but well-drained

  • SoilChalk, Clay, Sand, Loam

  • pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral

Size

  • Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres

  • Ultimate spread 1-1.5 metres

  • Time to ultimate height 2-5 years

How to grow

Cultivation Grow in any moist soil, in any situation. Can be invasive, so restrict root run

Propagation Propagate by seed or division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types Cottage & Informal Garden Wildlife Gardens

How to care

Pruning Cut back after flowering

Pests Can get leafhoppers and caterpillars

Diseases May be subject to powdery mildews and mint rust

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