Photo of Mentha spicata foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved.

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Buy Mentha spicata

Also Known As

  • Mentha spicata 'Spearmint'
  • English Mint
  • Mint
  • Spearmint

Plant type

perennial, herb

size

  • H: 15"-20"
  • W: 24"-48"

planting zones

  • 4a-11

1 gallon | $10.7

Avail in US except West Coast, HI/AK

Fewer than 2 at Maples N More Nursery

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Mentha spicata plant details

Mentha spicata is a broadleaf deciduous perennial herb with green foliage. In summer pink and white flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mentha spicata

Plant type: perennial herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 24 IN - 48 IN - wide, 15 IN - 20 IN - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, culinary, easy-to-grow, fragrant, medicinal, potentially invasive

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mentha spicata

USDA Zones: 4a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Spearmint is known for its strong minty fragrance and flavor. It is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. Spearmint is the best mint for adding to drinks. See our blog post on growing mints for complete information. Since all mints can be invasive, it is best to grow them in containers.
Both the deep green, spear-shaped leaves & tiny pinkish-white flowers are fantastically aromatic - this bushy, wonderful-smelling herb makes a great tea or seasoning, plus it’s known for having anti-oxidant properties & the fresh, minty aroma creates a calm state of mind! Growing to 18” tall by 4’ wide, it can spread far & wide via tubers, so it’s a perfect choice for a container or a restricted bed. Birds, bees & butterflies can’t stay away from this long-blooming (from mid-Summer thru mid-Fall) beauty, deadhead regularly to extend blooms & to maintain a compact form. Will do best in full sun, but does just fine in part shade - provide regular water in well-draining soil & you’ll have mint juleps all through the hot months! Cut it back in Winter - it will come back stronger than ever in Spring.
Mentha spicata Spearmint grows to 15" in a sunny location...leaves used to flavor sauces, iced drinks, teas, mint julep..perennial in most areas.

Gardening facts about Mentha spicata plant

How to Grow Mentha spicata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • birds
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • fuzzy
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