Mentha longifolia aka Wild Mint
Taxonomy
Mentha longifolia, also known as horse mint, fillymint, or St. John's horsemint, is a species in the genus Mentha. It is native to Europe (excluding Britain and Ireland), western and central Asia, and parts of northern and southern Africa. This attractive perennial herb has spreading growth and aromatic, silvery-grey green leaves. Although its flavor is not as strong as true culinary mints, it is still a popular choice. In the summer, short, dense spikes of pale pink flowers emerge, making it an excellent choice for attracting butterflies and for flower arranging. This highly variable plant has a peppermint scent and features erect to creeping stems, ranging from 40 to 120 cm tall. The oblong-elliptical to lanceolate leaves are 5-10 cm long and 1.5-3 cm broad, with a green to greyish-green color above and a white underside. The lilac, purplish, or white flowers, measuring 3-5 mm long, grow in dense clusters on tall, branched, tapering spikes. Flowering typically occurs in mid to late summer. Mentha longifolia spreads through rhizomes, forming clonal colonies.
Common names
Wild Mint, Horse Mint, Cape Velvet MintHow to care for Wild Mint
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Wild Mint, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Wild Mint should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Wild Mint loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Wild Mint prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Wild Mint plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
The Wild Mint does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Region of origin
Wild Mint’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
