Mentha species Labiatae

CULTIVATION A hardy herbaceous perennial, mint has highly aromatic, oval or spear-shaped leaves and white, pink or pale mauve flowers. It grows to a height of 1cm-1m (½in-3 ft) and prefers rich, damp soil and sun or light shade. Because the plant spreads easily, sending out runners underground, plant mint in a bed on its own or in a container sunk into the ground. Plant mint 30cm (1ft) apart. Harvest the leaves from early spring until the first frost and the flowers from midsummer. An attractive and useful garden, border and container herb. Recommended varieties Apple mint, M. suaveolens, or Bowles mint, M. x villosa alopecuroides; Corsican mint, M. requienii; eaude-cologne mint and lemon mint, M. x piperita citrata; ginger mint, M. xgentilis; Japanese mint, M. arvensis; pennyroyal, M. pulegium; spearmint and Moroccan mint, M. spicata; peppermint, M. x piperita; water mint, M. aquatica.