Pineapple mint

variegated Apple mint (Eng.)

With sweet tropical notes and minty citrus finish, the pineapple mint is a highly aromatic and aesthetically beautiful variegated cultivar of apple mint (M. suaveolens). The leaves of this unique, running, perennial herb are cream-and-green splashed and have a wrinkled (fuzzy) look. They are 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.

Planning

Difficulty

Easy

Flowering time

Summer

Fruiting time

Summer

Harvesting

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.

Propagation

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.

Cuttings

Take cuttings of rooted stems and plant them horizontally in the soil. Roots easily grow from stem or root cuttings placed in water.

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 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.

Special features

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.

Geography

Origin

Southern and western Europe, the Mediterranean and Western Asia.

Natural climate

Temperate

Environment

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Soil moisture

Moist

Soil type

Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil PH preference

Neutral

Frost hardiness

Tender

Uses

Culinary

Aromatic foliage is commonly used in food and drink.

Personality

Family

Lamiaceae

Flower colour

White or light pink, White

Scent

Strong

Problems

Powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot and anthracnose are some of the diseases that affect this plant. To deal with many of these, keep the leaves dry and spray fungicide, otherwise remove infected plants. Prevention includes well-drained soil and rotation of plants every 2 - 3 years.

Leaf Spot (Fungal)

Fusarium oxysporum

Powdery mildew

Erysiphaceae