Not all mint species and varieties unconditionally stand up to frosty temperatures. Accompany us here on a foray through the multifaceted range of hardy mints. These species and varieties can do without winter protection.

Grim Reaper cannot do any damage here

As mints, mints are classic representatives of perennial herbaceous plants. This designation implies that after the first frost, the above-ground shoots wither. The underground rhizomes, on the other hand, remain in the ground to sprout again the following spring. The following species and varieties cope with wintering without significant protection:

  • Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens): a powerful variety, up to 150 cm tall
  • Water mint (Mentha aquatica): the ideal variety for swampy locations, such as by the pond or stream
  • Moroccan mint (Mentha spicata var. crispa 'Nane'): one of the most popular varieties, ideal for freezing
  • Strawberry mint (Mentha species): graceful growth, thrives wonderfully in pots
  • Russian mint (Mentha species): hardy, frost-resistant, resistant to mint rust

Lemon mint (Mentha × gentilis var. citrata) is gaining ground in the ranking of the best hardy mints. Not to be confused with the popular lemon balm, which belongs to a different genus.

Do not do without winter protection in the tub

The frost hardness of a mint may be so pronounced; in the pot on the balcony, every plant needs protection during the winter. Since the only thing between the bitterly cold winds and the root ball is the rather thin bucket wall, the rhizomes are in danger of freezing. If there are temperature fluctuations, this stress ruptures the tissue cells and the mint dies. So take these precautions:

  • Place planters on wood in front of the protective south wall of the house
  • wrap with bubble wrap or jute
  • cover the substrate with sawdust, needle brushwood or straw

If the winter comes with frost, the plants threaten to dry up. Prudent hobby gardeners therefore water the hardy mints on a frost-free day.

tips and tricks

The red raripila mint (Mentha × smithiana 'Rubra') sets subtle splashes of color in the herb and scented garden. The hardy variety impresses with red stems on which dark green leaves cavort. From July, a purple flower reinforces the high ornamental value of this mint. 'Rubra' is an enrichment for both desserts and scented potpourris.

GTH

Category:

Vegetable garden