Chocolate Mint

Mentha x piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-9b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial

Height at Maturity: 12-18″

Width at Maturity: 18″+ in the ground
Spacing: 18″ for solid border or mass planting

Growth Habit / Form: Upright, Bushy

Growth Rate: Fast

Flower Color: Lavender-Mauve

Flower Size: Small

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, Chocolate Mint is a fragrant herbaceous perennial plant that can be used to flavor drinks like tea and mojitos, ice cream and other sweet desserts, and even salads and savory dishes. Some say the chocolate aroma and flavor are all in the mind. We disagree. But there’s only one way to know….try it! Being in the peppermint family, we describe the scent as a minty-chocolate, much like chocolate mint candy such as an Andes mint. 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, Chocolate Mint has an overall darker look with dark green leaves that have dark purple undersides and dark stems. In the ground it grows in a spreading mound to about 18 inches tall and 3 feet or more wide from which rise spikes of lavender-mauve 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

Chocolate 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, purple theme gardens and cottage gardens.

Growing Preferences

Chocoloate 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.

Plant Long & Prosper!

Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff

Questions? Contact Us!

ARRIVED WELL PACKED AND HEALTHY. PLANT IS THRIVING!—————————————————–We are so glad you are pleased with your purchase! Thanks for the great review! Beth | WBG 🙂