Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal)

Mentha pulegium, also known as Pennyroyal, is a fast-growing, creeping perennial forming dense mats or small, narrowly oval leaves that are powerfully spearmint scented. Tiny lilac flowers are produced in whorls in summer. Native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, Pennyroyal is a traditional folk remedy used for medicinal purposes for centuries, including as a treatment for digestive issues, pain reliever, and insect repellent. However, Pennyroyal is toxic when consumed in large quantities and should not be used as a medicinal herb without the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Growing Pennyroyal

• Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
• Performs best in moist soils in full sun or partial shade.
• Extremely easy to grow, Pennyroyal is a spreading plant that can quickly take over an area and could become invasive.
• You may want to plant it in raised beds, pots, or containers to keep it within bounds.
• Regular watering will keep Pennyroyal healthy and promote abundant growth.
• Pennyroyal does not require a lot of fertilizer to grow well. You can use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season. Alternatively, provide extra nutrients by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting or using a side dressing of organic matter during the growing season.
• Over-fertilizing Pennyroyal can result in excessive growth at the expense of flower production, so it is important to use fertilizer sparingly and only when necessary.
• Pennyroyal can be harvested for its leaves throughout the growing season, but it is best to avoid harvesting too much at once to prevent stressing the plant.
• The leaves, fresh or dried, can be placed in pest-prone areas to deter garden pests.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Check out for leafhoppers, caterpillars, powdery mildew, or mint rust.
• Pennyroyal has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent. The strong, minty fragrance of the plant is believed to repel a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and ants.
• To use Pennyroyal as an insect repellent, you can crush the leaves in potpourris or make a tea and use it as a spray or lotion. However, it’s important to note that Pennyroyal is toxic to humans, with severity depending on the amount and concentration ingested. Pennyroyal oil, the most toxic form, contains 80–92% pulegone, a compound causing peppermint flavor but also serious health risks. Small doses (<10 mL) may lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness, while larger amounts can cause multiorgan failure and death. Caution is essential when using or handling this plant. Poisonous flowers and plants: Identifying toxic risks around you
• Mint is deer and rabbit resistant and toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested. Fresh or dried leaves of Mints repel mice and rats.
• Mint may cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Cut back after flowering.
• Propagate by division in spring and fall.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.

Companion Planting

Mint is an excellent companion plant.

• Mint repels Pests: Mint has a strong scent that can deter pests such as aphids, black flies, cabbage moths, cabbageworms, cabbage maggots, flea beetles, squash bugs, whiteflies, and ants.
• Mint improves Growth: Mint is said to enhance the growth of other plants by improving soil quality and releasing beneficial compounds into the soil.
• Mint attracts Beneficial Insects: Mint flowers are a source of nectar for beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which help pollinate nearby plants or prey on garden pests.

Do not plant Mint in the ground near your vegetables to prevent it from taking over your vegetable crops. Use Mint foliage as mulch or keep it in pots.

Find here the list of best and worst companion plants for Mints