Pineapple Mint
Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata'
Also known as
Variegated Apple Mint, Mint
Photo by Roosie (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
8a
USDA zone
-12°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 1.5m |
20cm | Min | 1m |
3 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a strong fragrance
More images of Pineapple Mint
Pineapple Mint Overview
Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata' has sweet tropical notes and a minty citrus finish. Also known as pineapple mint, this is a highly aromatic and aesthetically beautiful variegated cultivar of apple mint (M. suaveolens). Leaves are pale green in colour, with cream edging, they also have a wrinkled texture from a coating of soft hairs. This plant is used in a variety of dishes and drinks, as well as in various medical applications, soap and potpourri. Pineapple mint is seen by many people as a must-have herb for a visually appealing garden. It typically grows to around 40cm in height, producing small, light purple-white flowers arranged densely on upright spikes late in the summer.
Common problems with Pineapple Mint
Prevention includes well-drained soil and rotation of plants every 2 - 3 years.
How to harvest Pineapple Mint
Spring - Autumn. Essential oils in the leaves are at their peak just before flowering. This would be the ideal time for harvesting leaves to be dried. For fresh use, pick the youngest leaves before the plant flowers.
How to propagate Pineapple Mint
Division
Divides easily by simply taking a stem with a piece of root and transplanting. Do not plant with other mints, since they cross-breed easily and will lose their distinctive aromas.
Rhizomes
The horizontal growth of its underground rhizomes lend it to aggressive spreading. When pulled out, small pieces are usually left behind and new plants easily grow from them.
Seed
Not the most preferred method, because mint seeds are very variable, and some varieties are sterile. Seeds should be planted in spring at 6mm depth and thinned out later in the year.
Cuttings
Take cuttings of rooted stems and plant them horizontally in the soil. Also roots easily grow from stem or root cuttings placed in water. Root tip cuttings are best taken in spring.
Special features of Pineapple Mint
Attracts birds
Pineapple mint attracts hummingbirds.
Attracts useful insects
The flowers attract a range of pollinating insects, including bees and butterflies.
Repels harmful insects
The essential oil in the plant acts as a pest confuser, repelling harmful insects and rodents.
Pot plant
Potting it keeps it from spreading aggressively into the garden. It is recommended to use a medium sized pot, and take precautions as it has been known to spread through drainage holes.
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Other uses of Pineapple Mint
Mixed bed
Culinary
Aromatic foliage is commonly used in food and drink.