- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 6 - 24 Inches
- Mature Spread 12 - 20 Inches
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
When looking to attract pollinators with a fragrant, fast-growing, native plant, look no further than Wild Mint (Mentha arvensis). Growing 6 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 20 inches wide, this bright green, upright perennial spreads quickly, filling your garden with a scent that native bees cannot resist. In the summer, Wild Mint produces lavender-to-white flowers that are clustered closely against its stems. This edible perennial has many uses, from herbal teas and cooking to medicinal uses, reportedly aiding in digestion and acting as a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent.
Because of its ability to spread vigorously, keep Wild Mint in a container or herb garden, or grow it as a natural weed suppressant in a wildflower or pollinator garden. Wild Mint naturally repels mosquitoes and garden pests, making it an excellent container plant around vegetable gardens and along patios. Wild Mint is also deer resistant and low maintenance. The only thing to worry about with Wild Mint is that it might actually grow too well, hence the recommendation for use in more contained spaces.
Wild Mint Care
Wild Mint grows best in full to part sun and in slightly acidic and well-draining soil. Growing best with regular water, Wild Mint is less drought tolerant than herbs like rosemary and thyme and should be planted with other water-needy plants. To plant, dig a hole that is at least twice the width and of equal depth as the root ball. If your soil is heavy in clay or sand, it is best to amend it with compost so that the soil can retain moisture but drain easily. Wild Mint will benefit from application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
Because Wild Mint is quite vigorous, you can trim and prune it aggressively if needed. When the plant has finished flowering in the summer, cut back the foliage to a few inches tall, allowing it to produce new growth and fill out again. To harvest mint, pinch the top of the branches just above the second set of leaves. Consider planting Wild Mint in a container to keep its spread under control. If kept in a container, protect the roots in the winter by bringing it into an unheated garage.
Wild Mint Spacing
Allow Wild Mint plenty of room to grow and spread. To create a mass planting to outcompete invasive species or weeds, plant Wild Mint about 1 foot apart. Regularly remove runners to prevent it from invading areas where it is not wanted.
Wild Mint Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennial |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 6 - 24 Inches |
Mature Spread: 12 - 20 Inches |
Mature Spacing: 12 - 20 Inches |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Purple |
Flower Description: Lavender |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: N/A |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: N/A |
Tolerates: N/A |
Attracts: Butterflies |
Container Role: N/A |
Uses: Containers |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Fragrant, Low Maintenance |
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
Common Name: Wild Mint |
Other Name(s): Wild Mint |
Scientific Name: Mentha arvensis |
- SKU:
- 1231012846-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations