Mentha arvensis 'Banana'

RHS Plant Profile
banana mint
banana mint RHS

Other common names

corn mint 'Banana'

Plants for pollinators
Herbs - Culinary Herbaceous Perennial

A low-growing, spreading perennial mint to 45cm tall and up to 1m wide. Small, bright-green leaves are ovate, slightly downy, toothed and emit an unusual banana scent when crushed. Clusters of small, lilac flowers are borne in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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 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 division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust