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Herbaceous PerennialHerbs - Culinary

Mentha spicata
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

spearmint

A vigorous rhizomatous perennial forming an extensive colony of upright, four-ribbed stems, up to 100 cm tall and wide. Typically sweet-scented leaves are oval shaped, with pointed tips and serrated edge. Leaves are bright green, 5-9cm long and 1-3cm wide. Light purple flowers 2-3mm small are produced in interrupted, slender terminal spikes in summer

Other common names
common mint
garden mint
see moregarden spearmint
green pea mint
lamb mint
mackerel mint
Mary's herb
sage of Bethlehem
Synonyms
Mentha spicata 'English Lamb Mint'
Mentha spicata 'English Lamb'
see moreMentha viridis
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 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

South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
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

Plant range
S&C Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moist soil, in any situation. Water newly planted mint until established and if grown in pots in summer. In damp soils in flower beds, the plants 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. Plants grown in pots will benefit from splitting and dividing every few years. For more information see mint cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Harvest young sprigs regularly to encourage bushy growth and cut back to 5 cm from the base after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to sage leafhopper, blue mint beetle and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust

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