Mentha arvensis var. piperascens

Japanese mint
An attractive, spreading, upright perennial herb from Japan with aromatic, round, bright green leaves that have a strong peppermint flavour. Terminal clusters of tightly packed, pale purple flowers appear in summer. Excellent for making peppermint tea to ease digestion
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Columnar upright
- 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 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 seed or division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Cut back after flowering in autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars and leafhoppers
Diseases
May be susceptible to mint rust and powdery mildews
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