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Herbaceous Perennial

Mentha pulegium 'Cunningham Mint'

Cunningham mint

A creeping, semi-evergreen perennial with strong peppermint scented, small, oval, mid-green leaves that are excellent for treating swelling and inflammation of mosquito bites. It rarely flowers but when it does, it produces small, pale pink flowers in terminal, globular clusters around the stem. This variety of mint is not edible

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

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

Name status

Accepted

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. This variety does tend to be less invasive than other mints. See mint cultivation for more information

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Cut back after flowering in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars and leafhoppers

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust

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