Mentha longifolia subsp. capensis
South African horse mint
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This variant of horse mint comes from South Africa and has long leaves that are covered with pubescence (very short soft hairs that can sometimes give a silvered effect). It makes a tall, rather lax plant with attractive columnar lilac flowers in August. The flowers are enjoyed by bees. It stands around 1m high. Containment is generally advised.
- Flower colour
- Lilac, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Grey
- Stem colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Herb garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided in alternate years. Clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.
Summer
Summer · Planting
Prune after flowering
When the plant has finished flowering, cut the trailing stems back by half their length or more to retain a compact and appealing habit.
Found in
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