Black Peppermint Overview
Mentha x piperita f. vulgaris is also known as black peppermint. It is a natural hybrid species formed by a cross between watermint, M. aquatica and spearmint, M. spicata. It is a rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial that typically grows to between 30-90cm tall. It has square stems, characteristic of the mint family, Lamiaceae and toothed, heavily aromatic leaves arranged oppositely on fuzzy-textured, dark-coloured stems. The leaves measure approximately 4-9cm in length and between 1.5-4cm in width, they are coloured dark green to brown-edged with red venation. Flowers are purple to white in colour, these measure around 0.6-0.8cm long and they are produced in a whorled arrangement. Flowers spiral around the stem on a thick, blunt-tipped flowering spike and these appear in the summer. Grows best in moist, partially shaded conditions and takes well to propagation by cuttings or by replanting the runners. Can easily overgrow other plants, so is well placed in a container to limit its spread.
How to propagate Black Peppermint
Cuttings
Rhizomes
Special features of Black Peppermint
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Aromatic foliage.