Mentha spicata var. crispa

curly spearmint
An aromatic perennial to 60cm, spreading by creeping rhizomes. The leaves are bright green, broad and crinkled. Whorls of tiny, pale purple flowers appear on terminal spikes in summer
Other common names
curly mintsuza-minze
Synonyms
Mentha spicata 'Crispa'Mentha viridis var. crispa
see moreMentha crispa
Mentha crispa L. (1753)
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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 a poor, moist but well drained soil in full sun, and protect from excess winter wet. May have the potential to become a nuisance; restrict its spread by planting in deep containers and plunging them into the soil, or by growing in small, contained beds. Plants grown in pots will benefit from dividing every few years. See mint cultivation for more information
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to blue mint beetle, leafhoppers and caterpillars
Diseases
May be subject to powdery mildews and mint rust
Get involved
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