Mentha x gentilis
Family: Lamiaceae
Common names: GINGERMINT, MINT, REDMINT
Native to: Southern Europe, Western Europe
Plant
Type: perennial
Forms: clumping, erect
Leaves evergreen
Flower
violet
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, bee, specific butterfly species
Plant features: evergreen, naturalizes
Edible: herb
Exposure: sun
Landscape uses: container, foliage aromatic, ground cover
Propagates by: seed
Soil type: wide range
USDA Zones: zone 1 below -50 f, zone 2 -50 f, zone 3 -40 f, zone 4 -30 f, zone 5 to -20 f, zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f
Temp. range: below -50 to +40 °F
Water: regular
Butterflies that feed on this plant
There are 56 species of Mentha, or MINTS, a Lamiaceae. Most are easily cultivated by division and will grow in Zones 1-10. They prefer regular watering. Some MINTS are invasive so controlling them in a garden setting is wise. The culinary attributes of M. piperita and M. spicata are legion - the other species are not cultivated for human consumption. M. puleguium is toxic - do not eat it! Mentha gattefossei grows to 2½ feet tall.
This mint, x gentilis, is edible.
Mentha attracts:
Atalopedes campestris, Sachem
Celastrina argiolus
Colias harfordii, Harford's Sulphur
Echinargus isola, Reakirt's Blue
Euphyes vestris, Dun Skipper
Euptoieta claudia, Variegated Fritillary
Junonia coenia, Common Buckeye
Pholisora catullus, Common Sootywing
Pieris rapae, Cabbage White
Speyeria hesperis, Northwestern Fritillary
Staphylus hayhurstii, Hayhurst's Scallopwing
Strymon melinus, Gray Hairstreak
Container plants that attract adult butterflies - perennial
This plant can be grown in a container and will attract and feed adult butterflies. These plant can be found in every height range – from tiny to large – from less than a foot high to over 10 feet tall.
Our database of nectar plants for all US butterflies contains over 10,000 entries. The top five nectar plants -- Cirsium, Lantana, Asclepias, Salvia, and Verbena -- will appeal to 90% of all US butterflies. Pick from these if you want to provide nectar for your local butterflies.
Once you start with these, you can add from another 630 genera in 110 plant families to attract more insects to your garden.
By far the most import butterfly nectar plant family is Asteraceae. If you grow plants in from this family, butterflies will find your garden.
