20 Types of Mint Plants to Grow in Your Garden

Mint is a delicious, fragrant and versatile herb that we can use for several dishes, drink concoctions and even as a natural insect repellent. This is why it’s one of our top recommendations for the must-have plants in everyone’s garden. 

In this article, we’ve picked the 20 best mint plants to grow in your garden. We’ll tell you about their different uses and growing conditions so you can choose the mint plant for your every need. 

1. Peppermint

Scientific Name	Mentha x piperita
Common Name	Peppermint Peppermints
Light	Full Sun
Soil	Clay High Organic Matter Loam (Silt)
Height	12 to 24 inches
Propagation	Seed Stem Division Stolons Runners
Uses	Tea Fragrance Potpourri Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

Peppermint is easily recognizable for its lance-shaped rounded leaves. It was first cultivated in London, England, after experimenting with watermint and spearmint. 

Peppermint is commonly used to flavor teas and is an effective potpourri. In the medicinal community, it’s proven good for indigestion, bloating, lowering blood sugar and even as a decongestant.

It’s an easy herb to grow because it can thrive in damp and dry soil. It’s best planted after the last spring frost or during the fall season. 

2. Sweet Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha x suavis
Common Name	Sweet Mint Hierba Buena
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Clay High Organic Matter Loam (Silt)
Height	12 to 25 inches
Propagation	Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

Sweet mint came from cuttings from a mint variety in Israel. It’s a famous ingredient in their lamb dishes and yogurt sauces. 

Sweet mint gives off a rich spearmint flavor, so most cooks love chopping its large toothed leaves and adding it to drinks, desserts and sauces. It also gives health benefits such as relieving bloating, indigestion and tension headaches.

This herb can grow between 12 to 25 inches and spread only up to 24 inches, making it an excellent choice for container planting, such as in window boxes for easy access from your kitchen.

3. Spearmint

Scientific Name	Mentha spicata
Common Name	Spearmint Lamb Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Clay Loam (Silt) Sand
Height	12 to 24 inches
Propagation	Rapid
Uses	Essential oil crop Teas Beverages Sauces Jellies Vinegar Salad Peas Syrups, Candies Ice creams Lamb dishes Mint sauce

Spearmint plants have narrow, dark green leaves with a milder scent than peppermint. It’s also called a lamb mint because of its wide use in lamb and potato dishes.

Besides its culinary use, spearmint is also a famous flavoring agent in chewing gum, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and other confections. 

Spearmints are perfect for container planting because they are invasive runners. They’re easy to grow, reaching 2 feet tall and needing only moist soil and full sun.

4. Basil Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha x piperita ‘Basil’
Common Name	Basil Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Clay Loam (Silt) Sand
Height	45 to 46 cm
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

Basil mint plants have the scent of basil but the flavor of the mint herb. It combines the best features of these two herbs, making it a favorite herbal tea flavor for everyone. 

Basil mint can be used fresh or dried, as its fragrance can last up to six months. Most cooks use basil mint to make pestos and fruit salads or treat upset stomachs and headaches. 

You can place this mint plant in a container or around your garden bed’s edges. Make sure to prune it regularly since it is a fast-growing herb.

5. Pennyroyal Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha pulegium
Common Name	Pennyroyal Poejo
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	4 to 6 inches
Propagation	Division Stolon Runner
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

Pennyroyal is your go-to mint plant to ward off insects and pests in your garden. It has not only culinary use but also medicinal and insect-repelling properties. 

Pennyroyal mint has also been used to relieve constipation, hemorrhoids, toothaches and other skin and gastrointestinal problems. 

As a creeping mint variety, pennyroyal mint grows lavender flowers and reaches only four to six inches tall but spreads wide, making it a great container plant or ground cover. 

6. Corsican Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha requienii
Common Name	Corsican Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	0.5 to 1 inch tall
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runner
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower Suitable for miniature gardens

As its name suggests, Corsican mint is a low-growing creeping mint variety native to Corsica, France. It has bright green and oval-shaped leaves that emit a strong scent when crushed. 

Corsican mint is the flavoring agent for making creme de menthe and a common insect repellent planted near broccoli, cabbage and cauliflowers. 

Because of its extensive spread, you can plant the Corsican mint plant as a groundcover, even between stepping stones. 

7. Chocolate Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha x piperita ‘Chocolate’
Common Name	Chocolate Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	12 to 24 inches
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

Chocolate mint smells like chocolate but tastes like orange. Still, this mint variety is used to flavor milkshakes, ice creams, baked goods and hot tea.

During summer, chocolate mint grows spear-shaped leaves with brown markings and stems. It also blooms lavender flowers that beautifully contrast its dark green foliage, making it a great ornamental plant. 

Just make sure to pick a location with full sunlight but with shade in the afternoon, and plant the chocolate mint plant in moist soil for optimal growth.

8. Water Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha aquatica
Common Name	Water Mint Aquatic Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Low in fertility
Height	12 to 36 inches
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runner
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

As its name suggests, water mint is typically found in streams, ponds and rivers. It has oval, toothed leaves that emit an intense aroma and purple and blue flower clusters that pollinators love. 

Water mint is known for its anti-bacterial properties, so its fresh, crushed leaves are usually applied to wounds. On the other hand, watermint balms help relieve sore muscles, while its dried leaves are used as potpourri for aromatherapy. 

Water mint can be grown in shallow water or near your garden ponds. It thrives well in a slightly acidic and loamy soil.

9. Pineapple Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’
Common Name	Pineapple Mint
Light	Full Sun (North) Partial Shade (South)
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	24 to 36 inches
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

With its green leaves with white edges, the pineapple mint plant will make your garden feel the cozy vibe of the snowy winter season. On the other hand, during summer, you’ll enjoy the view of its white and pink flowers contrasting its green foliage. 

Pineapple mint has a sweet, citrusy scent that many add to fruit salads, teas, jellies and even to potpourris. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve gastrointestinal problems and even arthritis.

Pineapple mint plants grow between 24 to 36 inches tall and thrive in rich, fertile soil with access to full sunlight.

10. American Wild Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha canadensis
Common Name	American Wild Mint Field Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Moist soil
Height	18 to 30 inches
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Cut Flower Dried Flower

The American wild mint is a kitchen staple for making teas, candies and jellies. It’s also used as a natural treatment for headaches and anxieties. 

Many drink American wild mint teas to help soothe indigestion, reduce weight, boost their immune system, and relieve allergies. Additionally, the leaves of this plant make an effective natural pesticide and air freshener. 

The American wild mint plant grows between 18 to 30 inches tall but spreads wide, making it an excellent ground cover in your garden.

11. Orange Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha x piperita ‘Orange’
Common Name	Orange Mint Bergamot Mint Eau de Cologne Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	24 inches
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb or Spice Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

Orange mint plants are native to Europe and grow rich oval green leaves on burgundy square stems. It’s an aromatic plant that gives citrus and spicy notes with lavender undertones. 

Because of its strong scent and flavor, orange mint is a natural pollinator attractant. On the other hand, its oil extract is commonly used to add fragrance to soaps, shampoos and perfumes.

Orange mint is best grown in pots or containers or used as a ground cover in the garden. You can even place them in sunken containers to give an illusion that they are part of your garden bed while preventing their roots from spreading in the garden. 

12. Margarita Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha ‘Margarita’
Common Name	Margarita Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	6 to 12 inches
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

If you love Margaritas, you should grow the Margarita mint in your garden. This exact mint variety has large dark green, squared leaves that give a minty lime scent to your favorite Mexican drink. 

When its leaves are dried, they also make an excellent tea flavor or potpourri ingredient for aromatherapy. Margarita mint also produces lavender flowers, which you can use as an ornamental plant or ground cover. 

This mint variety thrives in humus-filled, well-drained soil and prefers slow-release feed during spring to encourage its flowering. 

13. Grapefruit Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha x piperita ‘Grapefruit’
Common Name	Grape fruit Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	12 to 14 inches
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

Grapefruit mint leaves give a fruity scent, making it a popular herb for desserts, seafood, chicken and lamb dishes. The good news is the leaves of this mint variety can be stored and dried for months. 

Grapefruit mint is an excellent plant for newbie gardeners and small herb gardens. It grows only 12 to 14 inches and blooms lavender flowers that attract pollinators in your garden. 

You can also plant grapefruit mint in containers or window boxes to have this fresh-tasting garnish just within reach from your kitchen.

14. Apple Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha suaveolens
Common Name	Apple Mint Wooly Mint Round-Leaved Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	12 to 24 inches
Propagation	Seed Root cuttings Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

Apple mint has light green hairy leaves with pink or white flowers. When consumed, apple mint leaves give a fruity apple aftertaste, hence its name. 

Apple mint is commonly used in teas, jellies, couscous or as a garnish in salads and dishes. As a cold hardy plant, apple mint can survive low temperatures but still grow as tall as 24 inches and spread by runners. 

We recommend growing apple mint with broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, and peas to enhance these vegetables’ flavor profiles. Keep its soil moist and provide it with full sun for optimal growth. 

15. Cuban Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha x villosa
Common Name	Cuban Mint Mojito Mint
Light	Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	18 to 24 inches
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

Cuban mint is the authentic mint variety used to make the famous rum cocktail, mojito. It’s also a favorite choice in flavoring meat dishes or added for extra freshness in fruit salads and potpourris.

Unlike most mint plants, Cuban mint only needs indirect sunlight because it quickly burns. They also like plenty of water to keep the soil moist. 

Cuban mint plants can be invasive and spread throughout your garden if not controlled, so it’s better to plant it in a pot, container or window box to protect other plants.

16. Egyptian Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha x rotundifolia
Common Name	Egyptian Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	70 to 90 cm
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

The Egyptian mint is one of the oldest mint varieties. It’s the actual mint mentioned in the Bible and used by the pharaohs. 

The leaves of the Egyptian mint plant give off a refreshing, cooling note and aroma with no bitter aftertaste making it perfect for cleansing palates. It’s also effective in aiding digestion, improves concentration and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

They make great companion plants for tomatoes and cabbages to repel slugs and pests while attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Make sure to prune them regularly to control their spread in your garden.

17. Horsemint

Scientific Name	Mentha longifolia
Common Name	Horsemint Brook Mint Silver Mint
Light	Full SunPartial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	12 to 23 inches
Propagation	Seed Root cuttings Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Cut Flower Dried Flower

Horse mint produces a delicate lemon flavor, making it an excellent ingredient for teas, savory dishes, desserts, and lemon-mint glazes. It’s a perennial plant native to Asia, Europe and Africa. 

Horsemint is also a natural treatment for menstrual cramps, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, headaches, bronchitis, and digestion problems. So, it’s a great addition if you want a medicinal corner in your garden. 

This mint variety is easy to grow since it can tolerate poor soil, drought, and clay soil. Just trim them regularly because they form large clusters that may take over your garden.

18. Field Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha canadensis ‘Banana’
Common Name	Field Mint Corn Mint Banana Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	12 to 36 inches
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

The field mint is unique for its peppermint scent and hint of banana-scented leaves. It blooms pale lavender flowers that whorl down its square stem in spring. 

The leaves and flowers of field mints are a common addition to summer drinks and fruit dishes. Field mint tea is also an herbal remedy for cough, cold and congestion. 

Field mint varieties thrive in rich, moist soil and when it has access to full to partial sunlight. It also makes a great container plant to contain its spread in your garden.

19. Ginger Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha x gentilis
Common Name	Golden Apple Mint Ginger Mint Vietnamese Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	12 to 24 inches
Propagation	Seed Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

Ginger mint is a key ingredient in Vietnamese beef and chicken dishes. It’s a hybrid between a corn mint and a spearmint which resulted in its slight ginger-like subtle fragrance. 

The leaves of the ginger mint plant are best used when fresh and added as a garnish or to salads. They’re also commonly brewed for herbal teas, which treat headaches, fevers and other digestive problems. 

The ginger mint plant grows best in full sun and fertile, loam soil. It grows aggressively, so we recommend planting it in pots and containers to prevent the invasion of your garden.

20. Asian Mint

Scientific Name	Mentha longifolia var. asiatica
Common Name	Asian Mint
Light	Full Sun Partial Shade
Soil	Well-drained Rich in organic matter Moist soil
Height	12 to 24 inches
Propagation	Seed Root cuttings Division Stolon Runners
Uses	Groundcover Culinary Herb Medicinal Herb Dried Flower

Asian mint is a perennial plant native to Central Asia and is commonly found in riverbanks and wet valleys. The leaves of this mint plant are used for adding a peppery flavor and coriander-like aroma to soups, salads and stews. 

Asian mins is also a popular herbal remedy due to its antiseptic properties and beneficial effects such as relieving headaches, fevers and even digestive disorders.

They are vigorous-growing herbs which makes them an excellent ground cover underneath trees. You can also place them in containers to prevent them from spreading throughout your garden.

FAQs on Type of Mint Plants