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Mentha longifolia

Mentha longifolia

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Buddleia mintHerb, PerennialFamily: Lamiaceae

Height: 80cmSpread: 30cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Purple

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Middle

Soil

Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Mint is native to Europe but is naturalised throughout the globe, and has been cultivated for its medicinal uses for thousands of years. It's thought the Romans introduced it to Britain.

These days, mint is used mostly as a culinary herb, adding a fresh, summery flavour to salads, sauces, summer dishes and drinks. It's easy to grow and, being perennial, comes back every year. There are many varieties to choose from, each with a distinctive flavour. Best grown in pots in a sunny spot, it's a good idea to grow at least a couple of mint varieties in order to add variety and interest to dishes.

Buddleia mint, Mentha longifolia, is better used as an ornamental herb rather than a culinary one. It's grown for its long, nectar-rich purple flowers, reminiscent of its namesake. It's also very attractive to butterflies. Its long green-grey leaves have a musty mint scent.

Sow seeds indoors or under glass, from spring to early summer. When all risk of frost has passed, harden the plants off by gradually acclimatising them to outdoor conditions, and plant them out in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. If grown in the right spot, they plants will last for several years.

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Mentha ‘Longifolia’ and wildlife

Mentha ‘Longifolia’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Mentha ‘Longifolia’ poisonous?

Mentha ‘Longifolia’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People