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Mentha spicata (Spearmint)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
1m
Max height
Max height
1.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
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.
Mentha spicata is: Deciduous
Fragrance
Foliage has a spearmint fragrance.
Habit
Spreading
Flower
Pale-purple in Summer
Foliage
Green in Spring; Green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Caterpillars , Leafhoppers Caterpillars , Leafhoppers
Mint rust , Powdery mildew Mint rust , Powdery mildew
General care
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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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)
Companion plants
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
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Specific diseases
General care
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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