There’s nothing quite like the cool, tingling rush of fresh peppermint. This natural hybrid of watermint and spearmint is a vigorous, spreading perennial with a dense mat of dark green, lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges, often tinged with purple, on distinctive square, reddish-purple stems. Throughout summer, charming whorls of small, tubular, lilac-pink flowers appear in oblong terminal spikes, adding delicate colour and attracting bees.
This sterile hybrid doesn’t produce seed and isn’t native to South Africa, but it has proven wonderfully suited to the Western Cape’s temperate climate. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and will even tolerate heavy shade. It prefers rich, moist soil and, once established, needs regular watering to keep foliage lush and productive. It’s semi-frost hardy, tolerating moderately low temperatures. Its vigorous, spreading habit, reaching 30–90cm tall and spreading indefinitely via underground runners, makes it perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or as fragrant groundcover in a controlled area.
Key Features:
- Dark green leaves release a powerful, rich, peppermint scent when brushed—world-renowned for teas, desserts, salads, and drinks
- Used for centuries to soothe upset stomachs, aid digestion, and relieve mild headaches
- Charming lilac-pink summer flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects
- Thrives in full sun to heavy shade; incredibly easy to grow
Gardening Note: Plant in full sun to partial shade in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry summer spells, to keep foliage lush. To control its vigorous spreading nature (via underground runners), it is highly recommended to plant peppermint in a container to prevent it from taking over garden beds. Prune plants back hard in early summer to promote good top growth. Harvest leaves regularly throughout the season. Easily propagated by division in spring or autumn.
