Water Mint – Mentha aquatica

Numerous mint varieties exist and all are worth growing in the garden. While they’re most often used for flavoring dishes or as garnishes, many types of mint are also grown for their unique aromas. Water mint (also spelled Watermint) is a valuable and lovely addition to the garden with a number of uses. This mint species has a strong peppermint-like fragrance.

Unlike other types of mint plants, Water mint thrives best when located in very damp areas, like bogs, and will even grow in submerged water. Hence, this mint is commonly found on the banks of rivers and ponds, or around marshes and wet woodlands. Due to the aggressive nature of mint plants, one of the best ways to control its growth is by using containers. Merely sink them into the soil, leaving the top sticking out about an inch or so. You may also want to keep them spaced at least a foot or two apart to prevent various types from cross-pollinating.

While the leaves are used as a flavoring in salads or cooked foods, they do possess a pungent taste that may not appeal to many people. These leaves are harvested as the plant comes into flower and can be dried for later use. In late fall, cut the plants back to the ground. Likewise, you can wait until spring to prune back this plant. Water mint shares many of the same pests as other mint species like aphids, spider mites, cutworms and mint root borers. Mint can also be susceptible to diseases such as mint rust, verticillium wilt, and anthracnose.

Descriptions

• Seedlings - No information.
• Stems - Square stem with red-purple coloration
• Leaves - Green and purple coloration, opposite, oval, toothed
• Flowers - Whorl of pale purple to blue or pink-lilac flowers
• Fruits - No information.
• Seeds - No information.
• Roots - No information.

Plant Details

• Type - Perennial
• USDA Zones - 5 to 11
• Flower Colors - Pale purple to blue, pink-lilac
• Plant Height - 24 to 36 inches
• Plant Width - No information.
• Bloomtime Period - Mid to late summer
• Native Habitat - Naturally occurs in northern Europe along waterways, in storm ditches and near rivers and other waterways.
• Toxicity and allergic reactions - No information.
• What Parts Toxic - No information.
• Toxic to humans - No information.
• Toxic to cats - No information.
• Toxic to dogs - No information.
• Edible - Yes
• Edible Parts - Leaves, raw or cooked.
• Spacing - 12 inches
• Planting Depth - No information.
• Invasive - Yes, but not as invasive as other types. Grow in containers to control spread.
• Special Features - Deer and rodent resistant. Attracts butterflies.

Growing Information

• Light Requirement - Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements - Organically rich, moist, well-draining soil.
• Care Information - Invasive when planted in the ground. Grow it in a pot to control growth. High moisture needs, so keep the plant well watered, especially in containers. Divide plants every 2 years.
• Propagation Methods - Seeds, cuttings, division
• Harvest Information - No information.
• Seed Collection Information - Allow to dry on plant. Seeds ripen from Sept. to Oct.
• Pruning - Cut back to ground in late fall. May also trim in spring or after flowering to encourage bushiness.
• Common Pests - Aphids, spider mites, cutworms and mint root borers
• Common Diseases - Mint rust, verticillium wilt, and anthracnose
• Landscape Uses - Plant along the edges of bodies of water or in shallow water. Great container plant.

Facts & Trivia