Mojito Mint
Mentha x villosa 'Mojito'
Other Names: Mojito Cocktail Mint
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 4a-10b Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height at Maturity: 18-24"
Width at Maturity: 24"+ in the ground
Spacing: 24" for solid border or mass planting
Growth Habit / Form: Upright, Bushy
Growth Rate: Fast
Flower Color: Soft Pink or Lavender to White
Flower Size: Small, packed on spikes
Flowering Period: Summer
Flower Type: Single
Fragrant Flowers:
Foliage Color: Dark Green
Fragrant Foliage: Yes
Berries: No
Berry Color: No
Sun Needs: Full to Mostly Sun or Part Shade - Some Afternoon Shade is preferable in hot climates; 5 hours of sun per day for best performance
Water Needs: Average to High
Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sand, Silt
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Consistently Moist to Moist But Well Drained
Soil pH: 6.0 - 8.0 (Moderately Acidic to Moderately Alkaline)
Maintenance / Care: Low
Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Beneficial Pollinators, Visual Attention
Resistances: Deer, Disease, Heat, Humidity, Insect, Rabbit, Alkaline Soil, Wet Soil
Description
Very easy to grow in garden beds or pots, Mojito Mint is a fragrant herbaceous perennial plant native to Cuba with a very pleasant spearmint scent and taste that can be used to flavor drinks like, well, mojitos! It can also be used in teas and other non-alcohol beverages and to flavor ice cream and other sweet desserts and candy, salads, and savory dishes. It is excellent as a garnish. It aides in digestion and has been used medicinally for centuries for its essential oil. It likes the sun and leaves will be more aromatic and flavorful with at least 5 hours of sun per day. In hot climates it will appreciate some shade or filtered sun during the afternoon hours.
Compared to other mints, Mojito has bright to medium green leaves with a mild flavor that isn't too pungent like some others. In the ground it grows in a spreading mound to about 18 inches tall and 2 feet or more wide from which rise spikes of soft pink or white flowers that the butterflies and other beneficial pollinators will enjoy. It is fast-growing and can spread quite wide over time, especially in a consistently moist soil, so you might choose to grow it in a pot or planter where it will be contained.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Mojito Mint is easy to grow in both garden beds or containers. It is ideal for use as a tall groundcover or border in sunny to partially shaded perennial or herb gardens. Also nice as a solo or mixed with other plants in pots, planters or other containers. Plant it near patios, decks, porches and other outdoor living areas where the fragrance and the pretty flowers can be enjoyed from close up. A natural choice for herb gardens and a fine addition to fragrance gardens, culinary gardens, white theme gardens and cottage gardens.
Growing Preferences
Mojito Mint is very easy to grow in a consistently moist soil of average to even low fertility and full sun to part shade. In hot climates it will prefer some filtered sun or shade during the afternoon. It will tolerate wet periods. No need for fertilizer but you can add a layer of compost or mulch around plants that will help to conserve moisture and feed plants. If leaves wilt during the summer give the plant a good deep soaking. If you want to plant it in a garden bed but not have it take over, you can always sink a bottomless tub or bucket in the ground that will serve to contain its spread.
Leaves can harvested at any time and used fresh or dried in drinks, deserts or dishes. To store the leaves for later use, you can freeze or air-dry them. To air-dry, hang a bundle of stems upside down or spread them on a tray until dry, and then store them in an airtight container.
*Click on the Planting & Care Advice tab on this page to find helpful planting, care and harvesting tips provided by our experts.
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I purchased these to add some interest with containers on my patio, thinking it would be nice if they were a useful plant. These are wonderful! Not only can I smell the mint scent, but I can take a small section and add to water to make a refreshing treat while gardening or watching for birds and butterflies. The plants have grown over the edge of the pots in places - they are quite attractive.----------------------------------------------Thanks for the photo! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! :) Beth Steele | WBG
