Mentha suaveolens
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Tried and True Recommended by 1 Professional
Common Name: apple mint
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Native Range: Southern and western Europe
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Color: Pink, White
Bloom Description: Pink to white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Fragrant
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Wet Soil, Deer, Rabbits
Uses: Culinary Herb, Groundcover, Rain Garden, Suitable as Annual, Will Naturalize

Culture

Best grown in rich, moist soils in full sun to part shade. Adapts to a wide range of soils except dry ones. Large plantings may be sheared after bloom to remove flower spikes and stimulate new vegetative growth. Soil barriers may be used to restrain rhizomatous spread if plants are grown in borders or other areas where spread is unwanted.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This mint (often called apple mint) is a rhizomatous, upright perennial which is most commonly grown as a culinary herb and/or ground cover. It typically grows to 2' tall and spreads by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover. Features oblong to ovate light green leaves (to 2" long) and terminal spikes of small pink to white flowers in summer. Leaves have a fruity fragrance and taste, and may be used to flavor teas or in salads or as a garnish.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Can be an aggressive spreader.

Garden Uses

Herb gardens. Naturalize as a ground cover in moist informal areas such as pond/water garden margins or low open woodland areas.

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