Mentha aquatica (Water Mint)

Highly aromatic, Mentha aquatica (Water Mint) is a vigorous herbaceous perennial with purple stems bearing crossed pairs of ovate, dark green leaves, 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm), with serrated margins. Often tinged with purple, the foliage is fragrant when crushed and can be used in cooking or for making tea. In mid to late summer, tiny pinkish-purple flowers are produced in rounded terminal spikes. Rich with a minty aroma, they are pollinated by insects and are attractive to butterflies. Native to Eurasia, Water Mint occurs in the shallow margins and channels of streams, rivers, pools, dykes, ditches, canals, wet meadows, marshes, and fens. It spreads by underground rhizomes, scrambling about in the water and along pond margins to form large colonies. Bringing both beauty and fragrance to the garden, Water Mint is suitable for boggy areas, shallow ponds, and water gardens.

• Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in constantly moist soil or shallow water up to 3 in. deep (7 cm).
• A fine choice for moist to wet areas of the garden, bog gardens, and near ponds and streams.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew or mint rust if allowed to become too dry.
• Cut back after flowering
• Propagate by division in spring.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to Eurasia, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.