Mentha pulegium 'Upright'
pennyroyal 'Upright'
A herbaceous perennial 30cm or more high with mostly upright stems and some prostrate spreading stems, narrowly elliptic to rounded, sharply aromatic, slightly toothed, bright green leaves, to 3cm long, and whorled spikes of lilac flowers in summer. This variety of mint is not edible
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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 sun or partial shade in rich, moist, and preferably sandy, acidic soil
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or autumn, or by softwood cuttings, which will root at the nodes if placed in moist compost or water, during the growing season; it may be short-lived, so it is helpful to propagate reserve plants every year
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Banks and slopes
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars and leafhoppers
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust
Get involved
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