Mentha × piperita f. citrata
eau de Cologne mint
A strong-growing perennial forming a wide colony of dark purple stems bearing oval leaves tinged with purple, and scented like Eau de Cologne, with tiny pale purple flowers in dense spikes in late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green Purple | ||
| Autumn | Green Purple | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering
- Genus
Mentha are aromatic, rhizomatous perennials with opposite, toothed leaves and small tubular flowers in spikes of whorls in summer
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a poor, moist soil in full sun. Grow in moist but well drained soil in full or partial sun. May have the 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 seed, sowing in containers in a cold frame in spring. Divide plants in spring or autumn. Softwood cuttings may be taken in the spring. Pieces of rhizome can be potted up at any time of the growing season and grown on until established after which they can be planted out
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back old stems at the end of the year to ground level
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust
Get involved
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