Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Mentha piperita is an herbaceous, rhizomatous plant. It is reported to be perennial.
Overview
Mentha piperita is an herbaceous, rhizomatous plant. It is reported to be perennial.
Origin and habitat
Sources differ on its native range, which is described as Europe and the Middle East. Typical habitats are moist and include stream margins and drainage ditches; records also include shores of inland waters, wet grassland, reed or sedge habitats, woodland edges, riverside scrub, farmland, gardens, and some artificial environments.
Characteristics
A source reports a mature height of about 30–90 cm; sources are few. It is reported to grow rapidly and, after sprouting, can spread quickly through runners and underground rhizomes. The leaves are reported to be dark green with red veins, pointed tips, and coarsely toothed margins, while the leaves and stems are usually slightly hairy. The flowers are reported to be purple, with a lobed corolla, and are arranged in whorls around the stem to form thick, blunt-tipped spikes; flowering is reported from mid- to late summer.
Light
It is reported to grow in partial sun to shade.
Watering
It is reported to require a good, continuous water supply and should be kept moist without becoming waterlogged.
Propagation
It is reported to be propagated mainly vegetatively, spreading through runners and underground rhizomes and also being propagated by planting young shoots produced by older plants. Because its hybrid nature generally makes it sterile, it is not usually propagated by seed.
Common problems
Underground rhizomes and runners are reported to spread rapidly, so home cultivation often uses containers to restrict their spread; insufficient moisture hinders growth, while waterlogging should also be avoided.
Identification
Mentha piperita is reported to be a hybrid of Mentha aquatica and Mentha spicata, with square stems, widely spreading fleshy underground rhizomes, dark green toothed leaves with red veins, and purple flowers in whorls.