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Herbaceous Perennial

Mentha pulegium 'Upright'

pennyroyal 'Upright'

A herbaceous perennial 30cm or more high with mostly upright stems and some prostrate spreading stems, narrowly elliptic to rounded, sharply aromatic, slightly toothed, bright green leaves, to 3cm long, and whorled spikes of lilac flowers in summer. This variety of mint is not edible

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

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

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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in sun or partial shade in rich, moist, and preferably sandy, acidic soil

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn, or by softwood cuttings, which will root at the nodes if placed in moist compost or water, during the growing season; it may be short-lived, so it is helpful to propagate reserve plants every year

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Banks and slopes
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars and leafhoppers

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and mint rust

Get involved

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