Mentha pulegium
Pennyroyal, Pudding grass
- Height × spread
- 0.4m × 0.5m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a trailing mint that has small oblong shiny looking light green leaves. The foliage has a minty aroma. It flowers in midsummer when it send up flowering spikes containing masses of tiny tubular lilac flowers gathered into rounded clusters. Each tiny flower comes from a brownish purple calyx. So, viewed from above, the overall cluster has a two toned effect. Pennyroyal rubbed on the skin is said to be an effective insect repellent for mosquitos and ants. Give this a partly shaded site with moist soil. The plant grows to around 10cm (4in) high, up to 40cm (16in) when in flower with a 50cm (20in) spread.
- Flower colour
- Lilac, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Herb garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Water depth
- Up to 1.5cm
- Use for
- Ground cover, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. 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.
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