How big does Peppermint grow?

About 60 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–90 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Peppermint grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay.

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Peppermint flower?

Flowering: July–August, pink, purple.

How much water does Peppermint need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Peppermint cost?

It sells for roughly €4.40 to €8.90 in local shops, depending on size.

Peppermint

Mentha × piperita

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a perennial that reaches 60 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €4.40.

Illustration of Peppermint — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A tea and kitchen herb with a strong menthol scent: the dark green, toothed leaves are good fresh or dried in tea, lemonade and baking, and its pinkish lilac flower spikes draw plenty of insects in summer. It wants moist, fertile soil and regular watering, grows in sun or part shade, but does not cope with dry ground. It spreads very fast by underground runners and overruns a bed within a few years, so grow it in a large pot or sink a root barrier around it.

Watch out for

Its spread is the main problem: the runners creep in among neighbouring plants and into the lawn, and it resprouts from any piece left in the ground when you dig it out. Mint rust is a common disease: shoots become distorted, orange and later brown spore pustules appear under the leaves and the foliage drops; cut affected plants to the ground, keep the debris off the compost heap and in bad cases start again with a healthy plant in a new spot. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it scorches and goes bare without watering, and powdery mildew, aphids and mint beetle also occur. In a pot, divide it and replant into fresh compost every two or three years because it exhausts the soil.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 60 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–August, pink, purple

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	60 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	30–90 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–August, pink, purple
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	45 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €4.40

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.40 – €8.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

Compare with similar plants

Peppermint vs Spearmint

Looks good next to it

Persian ivy

Hedera colchica

Oregon grape

Mahonia aquifolium

Irish moss

Sagina subulata