Peppermint

Peppermint

Botanical name: Mentha x piperita

Bloom type: Perennial

Peppermint is an upright perennial herb that is a cross between wintermint and spearmint. It is most commonly grown as a culinary or medicinal herb and/or a ground cover. It spreads by rhizomes forming an attractive, though aggressive, ground cover.

It is tolerant of various light levels and soils except for dry ones but prefers rich moist soil in partial shade. It does best in neutral soils of 6.0-7.0 pH.  It does surprisingly well in shadier sites, only needing a minimum of three hours of sun a day.  Consider growing in a pot 12-16" wide to help control its aggressive spread.  If planting in the ground, space plants 18" apart.

Use flowers and leaves fresh or dried in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, ice creams and mint sauce. Regularly pinching off the branch tips will promote bushier, leafier growth, increasing available harvest.

Peppermint, particularly peppermint oil, possesses several medicinal properties, including easing digestion, relieving pain, and potentially aiding in respiratory issues. It's known for its ability to soothe stomach muscles, which can help with indigestion and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Peppermint oil can also be used topically to relieve headaches, including tension headaches and migraine attacks, due to its muscle-relaxing properties. Additionally, the menthol in peppermint can act as a decongestant, helping with nasal congestion and relieving clogged sinuses. 

Information sourced from the NC Master Gardener Plant Toolbox