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James H. Schutte
Lamiaceae
Mentha x piperita
Peppermint
European in origin, peppermint is probably the best known of all herbs. Its smell and flavor permeates our world; it is in our toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, tea, candy and pairs particularly well with chocolate. Peppermint has been with us for a long time. Its leaves were used for food and medicine in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
The clump-forming herbaceous perennial is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly by underground creeping stems called rhizomes. So, plant it only where you want it to spread. Its crisp green lance-shaped leaves line upright stems and are highly fragrant. Fragrant whorls of lilac-pink blooms line the leafy stems in summer. these draw bees in droves.
Peppermint is very easy to grow and adaptable. It thrives in full to partial sun and evenly moist soil with average to good drainage. Because of its aggressive habit, it is best planted in a trough or container. Divide plants every couple of years.
This species is a naturally occurring cross between Mentha spicata and M. aquatica.
9 - 1
3 - 9
A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Herb
Full Sun, Partial Sun
1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
Hybrid Origin, Europe
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Very Fast
Average Water
Spreading
Spring, Summer, Fall
Showy
Pink, Lavender
Green, Dark Green
Yes
Single
No
Medium
Container, Edible, Herb / Vegetable
Sometimes
Butterflies
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