Apple Mint / Woolly Mint (Mentha suaveolens): Soft, Fruity Mint for Teas and Jellies

Overview

Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens), also called woolly mint, is a vigorous perennial with soft, fuzzy, apple-scented leaves on square stems up to 3 feet tall. Pale pink to white flower spikes appear in mid- to late summer. Its flavor is sweet and fruity with a gentle mint finish, less aggressive than peppermint.

Botanical Details

• Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
• Genus: Mentha
• Species: suaveolens
• Synonym: Mentha suaveolens subsp. suaveolens

Growing & Uses

Plant in containers or confined beds to control spreading runners. Prefers partial shade and moist, rich soil. Leaves make excellent herbal tea, jelly, fruit salad accent, and garnish for desserts and drinks. Attracts beneficial insects. Cut back hard after flowering to rejuvenate. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.