Mentha suaveolens aka Apple Mint

Mentha suaveolens is apple mint, also called woolly mint. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range covers Macaronesia, Europe, and the Mediterranean region. RHS also lists it as native to Britain and Ireland. This herb grows back each year but loses its leaves. It grows on damp ground, including sites that dry in summer.

Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. They spread about 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres] across. Rhizomes let the plant spread beyond its first planting spot. Its rounded leaves feel soft because they carry fine hairs. Each leaf can reach about 1.6 inches long. The leaves give off a scent that recalls apples. Small flowers crowd into dense spikes above the leaves. Their colour ranges from pale purple to pink or white. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from July to August. RHS places it in late summer and early autumn. The flowers attract butterflies and add colour to herb beds.

Grow apple mint in sun or partial shade. RHS favours full sun and moist soil, even poor soil. Loam suits it, with acid, neutral, or alkaline soil reactions. Keep the soil moist, with drainage that lets excess water escape. Missouri Botanical Garden also reports that it tolerates wet soil. The plant suits USDA zones 5–9 and has RHS hardiness H5. It works in herb gardens, borders, and patio pots. It can cover damp ground near ponds or open woodland. Missouri Botanical Garden lists resistance to deer and rabbits.

Its strong spread can make it hard to keep contained. RHS suggests deep pots sunk into the ground. Cut back the growth when the growing season ends. Divide rhizomes during growth, or take root-tip cuttings in spring. Seeds can also start new plants in spring. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no major pest or disease problems. RHS names mint beetles, mint moth, and sage leafhopper as possible pests. Mint rust and powdery mildew may also occur. Dry spells can increase the risk of mildew.

The leaves are edible raw or cooked. Use them to flavour salads, cooked dishes, or herbal tea. Their hairs make them less useful as a garnish. PFAF also records household herbal use for digestion and antiseptic purposes. These records do not establish that such treatments work. Its species account reports no known records of toxicity.