Mentha arvensis 'Banana'
banana mint
A low-growing, spreading perennial mint to 45cm tall and up to 1m wide. Small, bright-green leaves are ovate, slightly downy, toothed and emit an unusual banana scent when crushed. Clusters of small, lilac flowers are borne in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Mentha are aromatic, rhizomatous perennials with opposite, toothed leaves and small tubular flowers in spikes of whorls in summer
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well drained soil in full or partial sun. May have to 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
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to leafhoppers and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust
Get involved
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