Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata'

Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’

Pineapple mint

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowers
Flowers

Plant does not flower in January

Plant does not flower in February

Plant does not flower in March

Plant does not flower in April

Plant does not flower in May

Plant does flower in June

Plant does flower in July

Plant does flower in August

Plant does not flower in September

Plant does not flower in October

Plant does not flower in November

Plant does not flower in December

  • Botanical name: Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata'
  • Common name: Pineapple mint
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Plant Type: Herb, Perennial

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.

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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.

Known as pineapple mint, Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’ gets its name from its scent, which has a hint of pineapples. Its therefore fantastic for adding to summery drinks and juices. ‘Variegata’ rarely flowers, and grows slowly, making it an ideal candidate for growing in hanging baskets.

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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.

How to grow Mentha 'Variegata'

  • Plant size

    60cm height

    30cm spread

  • Aspect

    South facing, west facing

  • Position in border

    Front

  • Sun exposure: Full sun
  • Hardiness: Hardy
  • Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy

Plant calendar

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sow
Sow

Do not Sow in January

Do not Sow in February

Do Sow in March

Do Sow in April

Do Sow in May

Do not Sow in June

Do not Sow in July

Do not Sow in August

Do not Sow in September

Do not Sow in October

Do not Sow in November

Do not Sow in December

Plant
Plant

Do not Plant in January

Do not Plant in February

Do not Plant in March

Do not Plant in April

Do Plant in May

Do Plant in June

Do Plant in July

Do Plant in August

Do Plant in September

Do not Plant in October

Do not Plant in November

Do not Plant in December

Flowers
Flowers

Plant does not flower in January

Plant does not flower in February

Plant does not flower in March

Plant does not flower in April

Plant does not flower in May

Plant does flower in June

Plant does flower in July

Plant does flower in August

Plant does not flower in September

Plant does not flower in October

Plant does not flower in November

Plant does not flower in December

Harvest
Harvest

Do not Harvest in January

Do not Harvest in February

Do not Harvest in March

Do not Harvest in April

Do Harvest in May

Do Harvest in June

Do Harvest in July

Do Harvest in August

Do Harvest in September

Do not Harvest in October

Do not Harvest in November

Do not Harvest in December

Mentha 'Variegata' and wildlife

Mentha 'Variegata' is known for attracting bees and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Attractive to Bees

Does not attract Beneficial insects

Does not attract Birds

Does not attract Butterflies​/​Moths

Attractive to Other pollinators

Is Mentha 'Variegata' poisonous?

Mentha 'Variegata' can be toxic.

Toxic to:

Toxic to Cats

Toxic to Dogs

No reported toxicity to:

No reported toxicity to Birds

No reported toxicity to Horses

No reported toxicity to Livestock

No reported toxicity to People

Plants that go well with Mentha 'Variegata'