JENNY'S GARDEN                                                             

Mentha piperita 'Chocolate'
(Chocolate Mint, Peppermint)

Family:  Lamiaceae
Origin:  Introduced from Europe
Light: Full sun-light shade
Height:  1-1.5'
Spread:   1.5-2'
Blooms:  Lavender, fragrant, late Spring
Foliage:  Aromatic, bronze, shiny 
Soil:  Well-drained, rich, mildly acidic, keep moist
Water:  Moderate
Propagation:  Softwood cuttings, rootball divisions  
Uses:  Herbal tea, hanging basket, container
Caution:  Plant maybe invasive and may cause skin allergy
Comments:  Mentha piperita 'Chocolate' or Chocolate Mint or Peppermint
 is a perennial herbal plant with a fast growth habit.  It is introduced from Europe.  In late Summer it bears fragrant lavender blossoms.  Butterflies, bees and hummingbirds enjoy the nectar-rich blossoms of  Mentha piperita 'Chocolate'.  Chocolate Mint is easily propagated from softwood cuttings or from rootball divisions.  It performs best in well-drained, mildly acidic soil in a sunny to part shade location.  Peppermint is a fast grower and can be invasive.  Grow it in a pot or hanging basket to contain its spread.  Mentha piperita 'Chocolate' leaves are very fragrant and smells of chocolate.  The foliage exudes an unmistakable aroma whenever I walk pass this sweet smelling herbal plant and I would take a few deep breaths.  The dried foliage makes lovely  potpourris.  Pick a few sprigs for culinary use especially in pesto.  For a pleasant aromatic herbal tea, pour boiling water over a few sprigs of the chocolate scented leaves and steep together with your favorite teabag for a few minutes then  sweetened to taste.  Chocolate Mint leaves in coffee makes it more flavorful.  It is a great herbal plant to have and is popularly cultivated by many hobbyists.       
   
USDA Hardiness Zones :  5-9