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Herbs - CulinaryHerbaceous Perennial

Mentha arvensis 'Banana'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

banana mint

A low-growing, spreading perennial mint to 45cm tall and up to 1m wide. Small, bright-green leaves are ovate, slightly downy, toothed and emit an unusual banana scent when crushed. Clusters of small, lilac flowers are borne in summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Mentha are aromatic, rhizomatous perennials with opposite, toothed leaves and small tubular flowers in spikes of whorls in summer

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well drained soil in full or partial sun. May have to potential to become a nuisance; restrict the root run in a deep container and plunge into the ground, or plant in a well chosen site where it can grow unrestricted. See mint cultivation for more information

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers and caterpillars

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust

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