Mentha pulegium in the ground
Pouliot mint leaf
Mentha pulegium leaves
Pouliot mint flowers
Mentha pulegium flowers
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Mentha pulegium, Pouliot mint
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Mentha pulegium is a plant of the Lamiaceae family native to Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. Its name comes from the Latin pulex, meaning flea. Indeed, since ancient times, it has been attributed with the power to repel these insects.
How to recognize Pouliot mint (Mentha pulegium)?
Mentha pulegium is a perennial plant with a creeping, tapering habit. It grows to no more than 15 cm in height and 30 cm in spread.
The square, green or grayish stems are highly branched. They give rise to adventitious roots at the nodes.
Oval or oblong leaves are almost entire. Their margins are only slightly crenellated, unlike the leaves of peppermint (Mentha x piperita). They're also smaller: no more than three centimetres long and a few millimetres wide. Bright green, hairy on top, they give off a lemony scent.
Mint Pouliot blooms in summer. Its pale pink, lilac or white flowers grow in globular bunches, tightly packed around the stem. Each flower has a tubular shape and fine petals.
Consumption of Mentha pulegium is not recommended. The plant contains pulegone, sometimes in very high doses. This substance is toxic to humans and animals when ingested in large quantities.
Our maintenance tips
Mint Pouliot 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
Mint Pouliot 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 pulegium, 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.
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 Mint Pouliot to rehydrate the roots.
Meanwhile, dig a hole three times the size of the root ball. Mint Pouliot can spread where you least expect it. Install a root barrier to prevent the roots from invading your entire garden.
Plant your Mint Pouliot. 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 Mint Pouliot likes humidity. You can mulch the base to keep the soil cool and limit watering.
Cutting
Take your Mint Pouliot out of the ground and determine the number of plants to be separated. You candivide them by hand. If the roots are too intertwined, cut them with a sharp, disinfected knife.
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 Mint Pouliot. Tamp gently and water to encourage rooting.
Disease / Threat
Information
| Family | Lamiaceae - Lamiaceae |
| Type | Mint - Mentha |
| Species | Mint Pouliot - Mentha pulegium |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Foliage | Semi-evergreen |
| Exposure | |
| Substrat | |
| Planting methods |
Open ground In pots In tubs Planter |
| Categories | |
| Tags |
Beginner Invasive Increvable Medicinal Rustic |
| Origins |
North Africa Western Asia Eastern Europe Southern Europe Western Europe |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 7b |
| Leaf color |
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| Flower colors |
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