Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Mentha piperita is a herbaceous plant with rhizomes. It is generally reported to be perennial.
Overview
Mentha piperita is a herbaceous plant with rhizomes. It is generally reported to be perennial.
Origin and habitat
Sources differ on its native range, describing it as Europe and the Middle East or as Europe and Africa; it is now widely cultivated and distributed in many parts of the world. Typical habitats are moist and include areas beside streams and drainage ditches; records also include inland waters, shores, wet grasslands, woodland margins, riverbank scrub, farmland, gardens, and some human-made environments.
Characteristics
A single source reports a mature height of about 30–90 cm, so sources are few. It is generally reported to grow rapidly. The leaves are generally reported to be dark green with red veins, pointed tips, and coarsely toothed margins, while the leaves and stems are usually slightly hairy. It is reported to have purple flowers arranged in whorls around the stem to form thick, blunt-tipped spikes, with 'Chocolate Mint' flowering progressively upward from the lower part of the inflorescence during mid to late summer.
Light
It is generally reported to grow in partial sun to shade.
Watering
It generally needs a good, continuous supply of moisture and is suited to moist conditions without waterlogging.
Propagation
It is generally propagated vegetatively, spreading through underground rhizomes and stolons, and young shoots may also be taken from established plants for separate planting. As a hybrid, it is generally sterile and does not produce seed.
Common problems
Peppermint essential oil is reported to repel some pests, including mosquitoes. Verticillium wilt is reported to be an important disease in mint cultivation. Rhizomes and stolons are reported to spread rapidly beyond the intended growing area, and containers are commonly used in home cultivation to restrict this spread. It is generally suited to moist conditions and needs ample moisture, but not waterlogging.
Identification
It is reported to have underground rhizomes and stolons that allow it to spread rapidly as it grows. 'Chocolate Mint' is reported to have a flavor resembling chocolate mint candy.