Mentha x smithiana
Tall mint
Also known as Mentha rubra var. raripila
- Height × spread
- 1.5m × 1.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- 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
A vigorous hybrid mint that has a sweet scent. The foliage is attractive, especially when young, with sheeny green leaves enlivened by red purple tinting that tends to be retained on the main veins and leaf edges. The flowers are inconsequential. This stands between 50 cm and 150 cm in height with equivalent spreads. As with all mints it is advised to grow it in a container.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1.5m
- Spread
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- 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
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Ground cover, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
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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