Mentha spicata

Perennial ground cover mint ideal for preparing drinks (especially mojitos) with an intense glacial aroma.

Also suitable as a potted plant, due to its lateral hanging habit; beautiful ground cover, as long as it is isolated and well distanced from other plants, because it is very invasive.
Plant used since ancient times; for the Greeks Menta was Mintha, a healing naiad with whom Pluto fell in love. The wife of the god of the underworld, however, out of jealousy of her, transformed her into her plant so that she could no longer move. Pluto, saddened, however at least in exchange gave her the aroma and medicinal power that this plant still enjoys.

Classification
Common name: Spearmint.
Genus and species: Mentha spicata
Cultivars: -
Family: Lamiaceae.

Characteristics
Description of flowers: Tubular spikes.
Flower colour: White tinged with pale blue-lilac.
Flowering period: Summer.
Leaves: Toothed, opposite, lanceolate and semi-evergreen.
Perfume: The leaves have a very intense, very fresh and glacial scent.
Dimensions: Reaches 80 cm in maximum vegetation; if in high places and at the beginning of the season, it is low, around 20-30 cm, ground cover or hanging.

Cultivation
Exposure: Sun, partial shade or shade.
Soil: It has no particular needs.
Irrigation: Moderate: the more shade, the less water it requires, almost none; if in the sun, water as needed.
Frost resistance: USDA 4.

Care
Pruning: It loses part of the aerial part depending on the intensity of the frost, so at the beginning of winter or early spring, the dry parts can be cut.
Propagation: By division from each portion with roots (the plant is stoloniferous).

Notes of interest
Use in the kitchen: It is the mint par excellence for mojitos; adds flavor to desserts and drinks.
Herbal properties: The leaves infused in hot water have antibacterial, digestive, balsamic and expectorant properties.