Mentha suaveolens
(Apple Mint, Round-leaved Mint, Woolly Mint)
Synonym: Mentha rotundifolia
Origin: Native to Europe
Family: Lamiaceae
Light: Full sun-light shade
Height: 1.5-2'
Spread: 15"
Blooms: Fragrant, lilac, 4" long flower spikes, dense, late Summer
Foliage: Aromatic, light green, 2" long, serrated, hairy upper surface, wrinkled, round, light apple scent
Soil: Well-drained, rich, acidic, keep moist
Water: Moderate
Propagation: Stem cuttings
Uses: Herbal tea, hanging basket, container
Caution: Plant can be invasive, may cause skin allergy
Comments: Mentha suaveolens or Apple Mint or Round-leaved Mint or Woolly Mint or Mentha rotundifolia is a herbal plant native to Europe but naturalized in parts of United States. It has a fast growth habit. In late Summer it bears fragrant 4: long pinkish white flower spikes. Butterflies, bees and hummingbirds enjoy the nectar-rich blossoms of Mentha suaveolens. Apple Mint is easily propagated from cuttings. It performs best in well-drained, rich, moist, acidic soil in a sunny to part shade location. The tallest of the mint plants, Round-leaved Mint has attractive aromatic light green hairy, round foliage. It is a fast grower and can be invasive. Grow Mentha rotundifolia in a container or hanging basket to contain its spread. Trim Woolly Mint for a more rounded shape. Mentha suaveolens leaves are sweeter than other mints and has many uses. The dried foliage makes lovely potpourris. Pick a few sprigs for culinary use. For a pleasant aromatic herbal tea, pour boiling water over a few sprigs of the apple-scented leaves and steep together with your favorite teabag for a few minutes then sweetened to taste. This tea is known to soothe an upset stomach. Apple Mint is a great herbal plant to have and is popularly cultivated by many gardeners.
USDA Zones: 5-9
