Mentha spicata (Spearmint)

Botanical name

Mentha spicata

Other names

Spearmint, Sage of Bethlemhem, Lamb mint, Mackerel mint, Mary's herb, Common mint, Garden mint, Green pea mint

Genus

Mentha Mentha

Species

M. spicata - M. spicata is a spreading perennial herb, with aromatic bright green leaves and dense spikes of pink, lilac or white flowers in summer.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Foliage has a spearmint fragrance.

Habit

Spreading

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Colour

Flower

Pale-purple in Summer

Foliage

Green in Spring; Green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Caterpillars , Leafhoppers

Specific diseases

Mint rust , Powdery mildew

General care

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Mentha spicata (Spearmint) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 1.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Cottage/Informal, Flavouring food and drinks, Wildlife

Cultivation

Grow in any moist soil in sun or partial shade. It has invasive roots, so site carefully or restrict root run by planting it in a pot within the ground.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Mentha spicata (Spearmint)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Mentha spicata (Spearmint)

Common pest name

Green semi-looper

Scientific pest name

Chrysodeixis eriosoma

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest which is morphologically identical to a pest already established in the UK in protected environments and being controlled by IPM. Not expected to cause greater impacts than other species of Chrysodeixis in the UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/