Mentha longifolia Buddleia Mint Group variegated (v)
variegated horse mint Buddleia Mint Group
A collection of spreading perennial herbs, with hairy, aromatic, slightly grey-green leaves splashed with yellow and cream. Branched, tapering spires of tiny, pale purple or white flowers are produced in mid- to late summer. Edible, though usually used as an ornamental as the flavour is somewhat bitter
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver Yellow Variegated | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green Grey Silver Yellow Variegated | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver Yellow Variegated | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Mentha are aromatic, rhizomatous perennials with opposite, toothed leaves and small tubular flowers in spikes of whorls in summer
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a poor, moist but well drained soil in full sun or light shade. May have the potential to become a nuisance; restrict its spread by planting in deep containers and plunging them into the soil, or by growing in small, contained beds. Plants grown in pots will benefit from dividing every few years. See mint cultivation for more information
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or autumn, by softwood cuttings in spring, or by root cuttings any time during the growing period
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.