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River Mint

A delicate, sprawling herb with clusters of small white flowers in summer. Leaves smell sweet and refreshingly fragrant when crushed – similar to, but more chocolatey than Moroccan Mint.

 

A vibrant green ground cover that sprawls around taller perennials, but will overgrow smaller species. Thrives in moist conditions, including along the banks of rivers and wetlands, but will survive dry periods in the garden.  Will die back in winter if exposed to heavy frost. Needs to be periodically controlled by pulling out the running, underground stems. Flowers provide nectar for butterflies and native bees. Fresh leaves can be brewed for a delicious mint tea.

 

 

 

Scientific name
Mentha australis
Family
Lamiaceae

Characteristics


Lifeform
Herbs & Ground covers
Height
0.4
Width
1.0
Growth rate
Fast
Evergreen
Yes
Perennial
Yes

Growing Conditions


Full Sun
Yes
Semishade
Yes
Shade
Cold
-5
Drought tolerance
Waterlogging tolerance
Compaction
Average
Wind
Average
pH
acid to neutral

Uses


Ground cover
Yes
Screen
Shade
Container
Yes
Hedge
Windbreak
Grassy Woodland
Perennial border
Yes
Climber
Native lawn
Shrub Mass
Wetland
Yes

Biodiversity


Insect pollinator feeding
Caterpillar feeding
Bird feeding
Bird refuge
Lizard feeding
Lizard refuge
Frog refuge
Mammal feeding
Pollinators
Larvae
Birds
Mammals

Flowering


Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec