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Herbs - CulinaryHerbaceous Perennial

Mentha spicata var. crispa
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

curly spearmint

An aromatic perennial to 60cm, spreading by creeping rhizomes. The leaves are bright green, broad and crinkled. Whorls of tiny, pale purple flowers appear on terminal spikes in summer

Other common names
curly mint
suza-minze
Synonyms
Mentha spicata 'Crispa'
Mentha viridis var. crispa
see moreMentha crispa
Mentha crispa L. (1753)
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical 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 a poor, moist but well drained soil in full sun, and protect from excess winter wet. May have the potential to become a nuisance; restrict its spread by planting in deep containers and plunging them into the soil, or by growing in small, contained beds. Plants grown in pots will benefit from dividing every few years. See mint cultivation for more information

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to blue mint beetle, leafhoppers and caterpillars

Diseases

May be subject to powdery mildews and mint rust

Get involved

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