Mentha x gracilis
Ginger mint, Red mint, Bushy mint
Also known as Mentha x gentilis
- Height × spread
- 0.9m × 1m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is popularly called the ginger mint or red mint though many feel the aroma from the crushed leaves is fruity rather than spicy. It is variable in its growth habit and the height can differ several fold. It makes an attractive clump when young with close packed fresh green matt leaves with prettily veined surface. Age brings a lankier, more straggling habit. There are small clusters of lilac flowers in summer. This is more tolerant of dry conditions than most mints. It reaches from 30 cm to 90 cm in height and will spread to 1 metre or more, containment is advisable.
- Flower colour
- Lilac, Purple
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 0.9m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Herb garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light 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
- Ground cover, 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 - mid-late · Planting
Cut back when straggly
When plant begins to look straggly, cut the trailing stems back by half their length or more to retain a compact and appealing habit.
Found in
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