A delightful mint with a beautiful purply / black leaf, especially good for making tea as it is said to be stronger than the white variety.
This peppermint is a must for any herb garden just because it looks so pretty (but don’t forget to grow it in a container even if you sink it into the ground so it doesn’t take over).
Native to Tasmania so likes a sunny position.
Recognised to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Hardy perennial.
- Reaches (50 cm) tall.
- Purplish brown leaves.
- Strong peppermint flavour.
- Likes a sunny position.
- Prefers a moist (but not wet) soil.
- We recommend restricting the growth of this plant as it is invasive.
- Flowers Aug – Oct with pretty pinky flowers.
- Culinary Uses
- Great for making tea.
- Good addition to salads.
- Good for flavouring sweet, gum or ice-cream.
- Can be dried.
- Medicinal Uses
- Thought to be stronger than white peppermint for medicinal uses.
- Tea can be good for treating fever.
- Helps headaches.
- Can aid digestive disorders (especially flatulence!)
- Has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
- As a lotion can reduce sensitivity.
- Can be used as a chest rub for respiratory problems.
- Taken in excess can cause abortion.
- Other Uses
- Can be used for pot pourri.
- Good insect repellent.
- Good at deterring rats!
- Should deter deer.