A soft, woolly-leaved mint with a gentle apple scent, Mentha suaveolens is one of the most attractive and easygoing mints to grow. Its rounded, slightly fuzzy leaves have a mild, fruity flavour and can be used in teas, salads, and desserts. Tall spikes of pale pink to lilac flowers appear in late summer, bringing in bees and other pollinators.
Mentha suaveolens, commonly known as Apple Mint, is a vigorous, spreading herb that’s as lovely in a mixed border as it is in a herb patch. Its textured leaves and fruity aroma make it a favourite for sensory gardens and family spaces.
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Perennial
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Herbaceous, Spreading, Aromatic foliage
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Flowers: July – September
Foliage: April – October
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Scientific Name
Mentha suaveolens (from Latin suaveolens, meaning ‘sweet-smelling’)
Common Name
Apple Mint, Woolly Mint, Round-leaved Mint
Origin
Southern and western Europe, including the Mediterranean
Pruning Tips
Harvest regularly to keep plants compact and productive. Cut back hard after flowering or if foliage becomes tired. Divide every few years to refresh
Wildlife Value
Excellent – flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Dense growth also provides shelter for insects
Positioning
Full sun to part shade. Ideal for containers, raised beds, or borders (but best confined due to spreading habit)
Water
Keep soil consistently moist – water well in hot weather, especially in pots
Soil
Moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid dry, sandy spots unless regularly watered
Food
Feed every 4–6 weeks in summer with a general-purpose liquid feed for lush growth
Pet-safe
Generally considered non-toxic to pets
Sprouts Top Tips
Plant in a large pot or bottomless container sunk into the ground to prevent it from taking over. Brush the foliage gently to release its lovely apple-like scent – perfect for sensory gardens and children’s planting areas.
