Mentha × piperita black peppermint
black peppermint
A vigorous, spreading, deciduous perennial with whorls of small, ovate, strongly aromatic, green to purple-black leaves. Dense terminal spikes of tubular, pink flowers appear from August to October
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple Black | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green Purple Black | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green Purple Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Genus
Mentha are aromatic, rhizomatous perennials with opposite, toothed leaves and small tubular flowers in spikes of whorls in summer
- Name status
Correct
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. See mint cultivation for more information
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back older stems to the base in autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to caterpillars and leafhoppers
Diseases
May be susceptible to mint rust and powdery mildews
Get involved
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