Mexican Mint or Cuban Oregano

Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on WHAV.

Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on WHAV.

Add some fragrance to your indoor and outdoor gardens with Mexican mint also known as menthol plant or Cuban oregano.

This fast grower quickly reaches a height of 6 to 18 inches and a width of three feet. Grow it in containers, as a groundcover or in the herb or flower garden.

This member of the mint family thrives indoors in bright light with a bit of afternoon shade in hot sunny windows. Outdoors grow it in dappled shade with fertile well-drained soil.

The aromatic foliage provides a nice backdrop for the lilac-pink, mauve or white flowers that appear in summer.

Start new plants by dividing mature plants into smaller pieces or from stem cuttings. This is a great way to enjoy the plant indoors and out. Start cuttings several weeks before its time to move them outdoors. This plant is hardy in zones 9 to 11 and thrives in warm air and soil.

A bit more information: The fragrant menthol mint plant is a cousin to the long time favorite Swedish ivy (Plectranthus australis). This trailing houseplant is grown for its foliage. It also makes an attractive spiller (trailing plant) in container gardens.

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