Alphabetical Plant Listing

Mentha aquatica (Water Mint)

Water Mint, Fish 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.

Mint: Plant Care and Growing Guide

Mint is a versatile and valuable herb with a wide range of uses and benefits that continues to be widely used and appreciated. Learn how to grow and harvest it.Read More

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 11
Plant Type Herbs, Perennials
Plant Family Mentha - Mint
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

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Andreas Rockstein, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 11
Plant Type Herbs, Perennials
Plant Family Mentha - Mint
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

Guides with Mentha - Mint

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