Mentha suaveolens
apple mint
Southern and western Europe and the Mediterranean
Overview
Mentha suaveolens is an upright, rhizomatous perennial in the Lamiaceae, spreading by runners to form broad colonies and standing 16–40 inches (40–100 cm) tall. The square stems carry opposite, almost stalkless leaves 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long that are rounded to oblong, wrinkled, and softly hairy, giving a grey-green, downy look; bruised foliage smells of apple and mint. Small two-lipped flowers, about 0.1 inch (2–3 mm) long, are white to pale pink or lilac and are packed into slender, branched terminal spikes 1.5–4 inches (4–10 cm) long. Flowering runs from July to September and draws many bees and other insects. It grows wild on damp roadsides, ditches, and waste ground in southern and western Europe and is naturalised more widely. The vigorous rhizomes spread quickly and can overrun beds, so the plant is often confined to containers or sunken barriers. It can also suffer mint rust and powdery mildew in crowded, humid conditions.
Native Range
Native to southern and western Europe and the Mediterranean, on damp roadsides, ditches, and waste ground. It has naturalised across much of temperate Europe and beyond.Suggested Uses
Grown in herb gardens and containers for its apple-scented leaves, which are used fresh in cooking, teas, and drinks. The variegated form is also grown as a foliage plant, and the flowers support pollinators in informal borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'4" - 3'4"
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Slender flower spikes open from July to September, with the tiny white to pale lilac flowers opening from the base upward. Bees and hoverflies visit heavily during the long bloom, and small nutlets follow in autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale lilacFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile soils, and tolerates damp ground better than most mints. Water needs are moderate to high, and growth becomes sparse and prone to mildew in dry soil. It is propagated very easily from rhizome pieces, stem cuttings, or division at almost any time in growth. The spreading roots are confined with a buried barrier or a container to limit spread. Cutting plants back after flowering and thinning crowded stems reduce rust and mildew. It is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5.Pruning
Stems can be cut back hard after flowering to encourage fresh, clean foliage. Old growth is removed at ground level in late autumn or winter. Lifting and dividing every few years keeps clumps healthy and within bounds.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons