Fragrant mint leaf

Credit: David J. Stang

Fragrant mint flower

Credit: Malte

Fragrant mint foliage

Credit: John Brown

Fragrant mint flower

Credit: Yajapin

Mentha suaveolens flower

Credit: Consultaplantas

Mentha suaveolens, scented mint

A variety of mint native to the Mediterranean region, Mentha suaveolens is distinguished by its delicate, fruity fragrance. This member of the Lamiaceae family has given rise to numerous hybrids, including the round-leaved Mentha × rotundifolia (Mentha x rotundifolia).

How do you recognize scented mint (Mentha suaveolens)?

An upright herbaceous perennial, spearmint grows up to 80 cm high and 30 cm wide.

Leaves have toothed margins and marked veins on the underside. They are glaucous green, with white hairs on the underside. This down gives the plant a silvery sheen. The oval blades are no more than five centimetres long. They are arranged in opposite directions on the square, hairy stem. The foliage has a spicy, almost fruity fragrance, reminiscent of apples and pears.

Mentha suaveolens flowers in summer. White or pink melliferous flowers bloom on conical spikes.

The fruit is a smooth, ovoid achene. The seeds it contains are dispersed by animals.

Mentha suaveolens is not a toxic plant. Its leaves are edible and can be used to garnish dishes and drinks. However, its taste is not very pronounced. For this reason, it is often preferred spearmint (Mentha spicata).

Our maintenance tips

Fragrant mints are very invasive. We advise against planting them in the ground. Plant them in pots to prevent the roots from spreading. If you wish, you can bury the pot.

Watering

Fragrant mints appreciate moderate, regular watering. Between two applications of water, leave the potting soil to dry out by two or three centimetres. Check this simply by touching the soil.

Always use water at room temperature to avoid thermal shock, which can damage the roots.

Be sure to remove any standing water in the saucer or planter.

Repotting

Soak the root ball for a few minutes to rehydrate the roots. Then get a perforated pot and pour in a drainage layer (clay balls or gravel).

On top of this, add a light, rich substrate, such as potting soil for herbs. Place the root ball in the center of the pot, then fill in with potting soil, packing lightly around the plant.

Finish by watering generously: mint appreciates humidity and this will help it to take root.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Mentha suaveolens, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

Use a fertilizer for aromatic plants to stimulate growth. Follow the dosage prescribed by the manufacturer to avoid damaging roots or foliage.

Harvest

Cut a stem about 15 centimeters long and remove the leaves. They can be eaten fresh or dried.

Prune

Cut flowers to prevent seeds from spreading.

Using clean pruning shears or a pair of scissors, cut back the stems to 10 cm above the ground to encourage plant renewal.

Plantation

Soak your Fragrant mint to rehydrate the roots.

Meanwhile, dig a hole three times the size of the root ball. Fragrant mints can spread where you least expect it. Install a root barrier to prevent the roots from invading your entire garden.

Plant your Fragrant mint. The root ball should be level with the ground. Fill in with a mixture of universal potting soil and garden soil. Water to encourage growth.

Your Fragrant mint likes humidity. You can mulch the base to keep the soil cool and limit watering.

Cutting

Dig up the plant. Locate a rhizome with several stems. Separate it from the other roots. You can use your hands or a clean, sharp tool adapted to the size of the plant.

Pour a drainage layer (clay balls, gravel) into a pierced pot adapted to the size of your cutting. Then add potting soil for herbs.

Plant your Fragrant mint. Tamp gently and water to encourage rooting.

Disease / Threat

Slugs

Information

Family	Lamiaceae - Lamiaceae
Type	Mint - Mentha
Species	Fragrant mint - Mentha suaveolens
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Deciduous
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs Planter
Categories	Rhizome Herbaceous
Tags	Beginner Invasive Increvable Medicinal
Origins	North Africa Southern Europe Western Europe
Hardiness (USDA)	6b
Leaf color
Flower colors