Perennial. Mints are ancient herbs brought to Britain in Roman times. They are hardy perennials with a vigorous growth habit so are best grown in containers, perhaps plunged into the ground. Name comes from minthe = a nymph in Greek mythology who was loved by Pluto. His wife wasn't happy about this and turned Minthe into a Mint plant. As Pluto couldn't undo the spell he gave her a lovely scent.

Pliny recommended scholars wore a crown of Mint to aid concentration, but he also claimed it prevented conception. In ancient Greece, tables were rubbed with mint when entertaining. In 812, Emperor Charlemagne ordered acres of Mint and other herbs to be grown in his gardens.

Mint has many culinary and medicinal uses. In Medieval times it was put in baths and used as a strewing herb. It was also used to whiten teeth. The ancient Assyrians used it in rituals to their fire god. Mice dislike the smell of Mint.

Ginger Mint (mentha gentiles)
Cross between Corn Mint and Spearmint. Height 1 - 2 ft (30 - 60 cm). Pale purple flowers along the stems. Also known as Slender Mint and Scotch Mint. Good for pot pourri.

Lime Mint (mentha piperita citrata)
Height 18 ins. Sun or partial shade. Culinary and perfume herb.

Chocolate
Dark leaves that really do smell of chocolate. Lovely!

Lavender Mint (mentha piperita)
Lavender-mint smell. Pale mauve flowers. Add to bath water.

Gracilis - mentha x gracilis
Ht 1 ft (30 cm). Spicy scented. Whorls of pinky-mauve flowers.

Eau de Cologne Mint
Ht 45 cm. Whorls of pinky-mauve flowers from July to September. Bronze-green leaves and a spicy scent. Run bath water over leaves in a muslin bag. Put a bunch in a vase to scent a room. Add to pot pouri.

Pineapple Mint (mentha suaveolens variegata)
Green and white variegated leaves. Height 8 - 12 ins. Pale white or cream flowers. Pineapple flavour. Add leaves to fruit dishes.

Apple Mint (mentha rotundifolia)
Also known as Round-leaved Mint and Woolly Mint. Prefers partial shade. Ht 2 ft (60 cm). Vigorous mint. Light green woolly leaves, reddish stems and dense spires of pale lilac flowers. Apple x spearmint flavour. Add to mint sauce or fruits, salads, wine, orange juice. Bee plant. Food plant of Gatekeeper and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies. Pink flowers in late summer.

Mountain Mint (pyrocanthemum pilosum)
Although related to mint this plant doesn't have invasive runners. Can be used as you would Peppermint. Bee plant. Can also be used as a mint substitute in cooking. Strongly scented. Plant in shade to partial shade.

As mints are vigorous spreaders, you may feel it wise to plant them in a pot sunken into the ground. Other mints not listed herre may be available in the shop.

*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*

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