Mentha rotundifolia 'Variegata'

Very vigorous perennial ground cover mint, useful in the shade, with a sweet pineapple scent, and unusual white variegated leaves.

Also suitable as a pot plant, due to its trailing 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 a 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: Glacial mint, mint.
Genus and species: Mentha rotundifolia
Cultivar: 'Variegata'
Family: Lamiaceae.

Characteristics
Description of flowers: Thin spikes.
Flower colour: White tinged with pale blue-lilac.
Flowering period: Summer.
Leaves: Oval, thick, soft, downy and velvety, deep green, with creamy-white edges; semi-evergreen.
Fragrance: The leaves have an intense scent of pineapple and apple.
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: Partial shade or shade, never more than the morning sun because the white edges would burn.
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 3.

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 cooking: Adds flavor to desserts and drinks.
Herbal properties: The leaves infused in hot water have antibacterial, digestive, balsamic and expectorant properties.