Mentha x piperita

Common name: Peppermint

Description: Mentha x piperita is the classic culinary peppermint, producing lush, aromatic, dark green leaves with a powerful, refreshing menthol fragrance and flavour. A vigorous and spreading perennial, it is essential in the herb garden, herb border, or patio container, where its vigour is best contained. In summer, upright spikes of small lilac-pink flowers are produced, which are highly attractive to bees. The leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas, cooking, cocktails, and confectionery. Cutting back regularly encourages fresh, flavoursome growth.

Other benefits: highly aromatic and edible, excellent in teas and cooking, long-season foliage interest

Wildlife attraction: bees, bumblebees, and butterflies visit the flowers

Height & spread (approx.) at maturity: 60cm x spreading indefinitely if unrestricted

Position: full sun to partial shade

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acid; moisture-retentive

Moisture: moist but well-drained; water regularly; do not allow to dry out

Winter hardiness: cold hardy to -20°C; dies back in winter, re-emerges in spring