Description
Black Peppermint is a very attractive mint with dark green – purple black leaves and reddish stems. Although it is a hybrid it occurs naturally when Water Mint and Spearmint grow close enough to each other to cross pollinate. The pink flowers are borne in Summer. You can really taste the pepper in this strongly flavoured peppermint. It makes great herbal teas (tisanes) which many claim can help relieve headaches and digestive complaints, especially flatulence. All peppermints are also claimed to improve memory and to have a stimulant effect.
As with all mints it is claimed to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
We recommend growing all mints in pots or containers as they can quickly become invasive in the right conditions. We do grow several varieties in the ground ourselves and allow them to wander where they want (within reason). They give a wonderful aroma where they have spread into the lawn when walking on it & during mowing.
A hardy plant which should survive normal winter conditions outside, especially with protection from the hardest frosts. If grown in pots it is recommended to place in a sheltered position for the winter.
More Details:
Family: Lamiaceae
Syn: Mentha x piperata piperata
Common Name: Black Peppermint
Native: Widespread – Europe and the Midle East
Height x Spread: 30cm x 60cm (12″ x 24″)
Soil Type: Moist
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Aspect: Sunny
UK Hardiness: Hardy
Flowering Time: June, July, August, September
Flower Colour: Pink
Foliage Colour: Dark Green – Purplish Black
Common Uses: Teas, cocktails, salads, garnish, medicinal
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