Mentha aquatica
Water mint
Common names: Stream mint
Photo: Burschik at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
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Description
Water mint (Mentha aquatica) is a native perennial suitable for pond edges and shallow water up to about 10 cm deep. It spreads by creeping runners, forming dense, aromatic clumps, and produces lilac flower heads on the tips of shoots from July to September. Bees, bumblebees, and hoverflies are attracted in large numbers, making it one of the most productive bee pastures for pond gardens. The leaves emit a strong minty fragrance and can be used fresh or dried for tea. In mild winters it remains semi‑evergreen; in colder winters it retreats below the water surface and regrows in spring.
Care instructions
Plant water mint in baskets or confined zones along the pond edge to prevent it from spreading rapidly across the entire shallow water area. It prefers full sun to partial shade and constant moisture, even standing water; a loam or pond substrate is sufficient. Trim spent shoots in late summer to keep the clump compact and encourage fresh growth. In winter the plant can be left in place; the roots in water provide adequate frost protection. Divide larger clumps every few years in spring to keep the plant vigorous and to prevent it from displacing neighboring pond-edge plants.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
moist, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, loamy
Feeding
Medium feeder
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