Mentha spicata Yakima

RHS Plant Profile
spearmint [Yakima]
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial Herbs - Culinary

A spreading, deciduous perennial with upright stems bearing bright, mid-green, toothed, aromatic leaves. Dense terminal spikes of pale purple flowers appear in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

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
Spreading branched
Genus
Mentha are aromatic, rhizomatous perennials with opposite, toothed leaves and small tubular flowers in spikes of whorls in summer
Name Status
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a poor, moist but well drained soil in full sun, and protect from excess winter wet. 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 seed or division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • 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