Mint plants include true Mentha species, garden hybrids, flavored cultivars, and a few mint-family relatives that are often confused with true mint. The best type of mint depends on how you want to use it: spearmint and mojito mint are excellent for drinks, peppermint is strong for tea and desserts, apple mint is soft and fruity, and Corsican mint works better as a fragrant groundcover than as a main culinary herb.
Most true mint plants spread aggressively by runners or rhizomes, so containers are usually the safest choice for home gardens. Use this guide to compare 30 types of mint plants by flavor, scientific name, leaf traits, best uses, container suitability, and invasiveness.
Quick Mint Variety Comparison
| Mint type | Scientific name | Flavor/aroma | Best use | Height/spread | Container-friendly? | Invasiveness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple mint | Mentha suaveolens | Soft, fruity, apple-like | Tea, salads, fruit drinks | 1–3 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Hairy, rounded leaves. |
| Asian mint | Mentha longifolia var. asiatica | Sharp, herbal, minty | Tea, regional cooking | 1–3 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Often treated as a silver mint/horsemint form. |
| Australian mint | Mentha australis | Minty with peppery notes | Tea, sauces, drinks | Low to upright; spreading | Yes | Medium to high | Native Australian mint. |
| Bergamot / orange mint | Mentha × piperita f. citrata | Citrus, floral, minty | Tea, desserts, fragrance | 1–2 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Often sold as orange mint or eau de cologne mint. |
| Canada mint | Mentha canadensis | Strong, peppermint-like | Tea, jelly, fragrance | 1–2 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Also called American wild mint. |
| Chinese mint | Mentha haplocalyx | Strong, cooling mint | Tea, herb gardens | 1–2 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Check plant labels; names can vary. |
| Corsican mint | Mentha requienii | Tiny-leaved, very minty | Groundcover, fragrance | Very low mat | Yes | Medium | Not ideal for heavy foot traffic. |
| Dahurian mint | Mentha dahurica | Aromatic, minty | Groundcover, regional uses | Low to medium | Yes | Medium | Older sources may call it Dahurian thyme. |
| Garden mint | Often Mentha spicata or related forms | Classic sweet mint | Cooking, sauces, tea | 1–2 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Common name varies by region. |
| Japanese mint | Mentha arvensis var. piperascens | Menthol-rich, sharp | Oil, tea, fragrance | 1–2 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Grown for menthol-rich oil. |
| Hart’s pennyroyal | Mentha cervina | Strong, pennyroyal-like | Ornamental, regional herb use | Low to medium | Yes | Medium | Use caution; verify culinary safety. |
| Large-flowered mint | Mentha grandiflora | Strong, bitter, unpleasant | Ornamental/collection plant | Small to medium | Yes | Medium | Not a preferred culinary mint. |
| Menthe de Perse | Mentha gattefossei | Aromatic, minty | Regional tea/flavoring | Low, creeping | Yes | Medium | Rare specialty mint. |
| Native pennyroyal | Mentha satureioides | Pennyroyal-like | Fragrance, regional uses | Low, clumping/spreading | Yes | Medium | Verify safe use before eating. |
| New Zealand mint | Mentha cunninghamii | Mild mint aroma | Fragrance, regional use | Low, wiry, mat-forming | Yes | Medium | Different appearance from common culinary mints. |
| Pennyroyal | Mentha pulegium | Very pungent mint | Ornamental/insect-repellent history | Low to 1 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Do not drink pennyroyal oil or tea. |
| Princess mint | Mentha japonica | Small, aromatic | Collection plant, fragrance | Small | Yes | Medium | Rare Japanese species. |
| Royle’s mint | Mentha royleana | Strong mint aroma | Regional sauces and salads | Medium, upright | Yes | Medium to high | Related in appearance to horsemint. |
| Silver mint / horsemint | Mentha longifolia | Sharp, peppermint-like | Tea, fragrance, pollinators | 2–4 ft; spreading | Large pot | High | Long, often hairy leaves. |
| Slender mint | Mentha diemenica | Strong mint | Drinks, garnish, groundcover | Low, matting | Yes | Medium | Native Australian species. |
| Spearmint | Mentha spicata | Sweet, mild, classic | Cooking, mojitos, mint sauce | 1–2 ft; spreading | Yes | High | One of the best culinary mints. |
| Watermint | Mentha aquatica | Strong, menthol-rich | Tea, wet areas | 1–3 ft; wet sites | Yes | High | Parent of peppermint. |
| Wild / field mint | Mentha arvensis | Sharp, penetrating mint | Tea, fragrance, wild gardens | 1–2 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Do not harvest wild plants unless ID is certain. |
| Chocolate mint | Mentha × piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate’ | Mint with cocoa-like notes | Desserts, tea, drinks | 1–2 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Good dessert mint. |
| Cuban / mojito mint | Mentha × villosa | Sweet, mild, less sharp | Mojitos, drinks, cooking | 1–2 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Often sold as mojito mint or Bowles’ mint. |
| False apple mint | Mentha × rotundifolia | Fruity, apple-like | Sauces, drinks, desserts | 1–3 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Hybrid between apple mint and horsemint forms. |
| Ginger mint | Mentha × gracilis | Minty with ginger-like warmth | Tea, fruit dishes, savory food | 1–2 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Also called Scotchmint or redmint. |
| Peppermint | Mentha × piperita | Strong, cooling, menthol-rich | Tea, desserts, fragrance | 1–2 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Hybrid of watermint and spearmint. |
| Red raripila mint | Mentha × smithiana | Strong mint | Tea, ornamental red stems | 1–2 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Hybrid involving watermint, field mint, and spearmint. |
| Sharp-toothed mint | Mentha × villosonervata | Minty, herbal | Specialty herb gardens | 1–3 ft; spreading | Yes | High | Hybrid involving horsemint and spearmint. |
Mint Flavor and Use Chart
| Use | Best mint types | Why they work | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea | Peppermint, spearmint, apple mint, chocolate mint, Moroccan-style spearmint, orange mint | Aromatic leaves release flavor quickly in hot water. | Use culinary mints and avoid pennyroyal. |
| Mojitos and cocktails | Spearmint, mojito mint, Cuban mint, apple mint | Sweeter, milder mints are less harsh in drinks. | Spearmint is the classic choice. |
| Salads | Spearmint, apple mint, orange mint, ginger mint | Fresh leaves add brightness without overpowering the dish. | Use young leaves for best texture. |
| Desserts | Peppermint, chocolate mint, orange mint, grapefruit mint | Strong or fruity flavors pair well with chocolate, cream, and fruit. | Start with a small amount. |
| Sauces | Spearmint, garden mint, apple mint | Balanced flavor works well with lamb, peas, yogurt, and herbs. | Spearmint is the safest default. |
| Savory cooking | Spearmint, ginger mint, apple mint, mojito mint | These types are flexible in sauces, salads, chutneys, and grilled dishes. | Avoid very bitter or ornamental types. |
| Pollinator gardens | Spearmint, silver mint, watermint, mountain mint relatives | Mint flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects. | Let some plants bloom if pollinators are the goal. |
| Containers | Peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, apple mint, pineapple mint, orange mint | Containers control spreading runners. | Use drainage holes and divide plants when crowded. |
| Groundcover | Corsican mint, apple mint, watermint in damp spots | Spreading habits can cover bare soil. | Use only where spread is wanted. |
| Fragrance gardens | Bergamot mint, peppermint, chocolate mint, apple mint | Leaves release scent when brushed or crushed. | Keep near paths in containers. |
| Ornamental foliage | Pineapple mint, grapefruit mint, chocolate mint | Variegated or tinted leaves add visual interest. | Flavor and appearance vary by cultivar. |
| Beginner herb gardens | Spearmint, peppermint, apple mint | Easy to grow and widely available. | Grow in pots to prevent takeover. |
What Is a Mint Plant?
True mint plants belong to the genus Mentha in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. They are usually grown for their leaves, which can be used fresh or dried in teas, sauces, salads, desserts, drinks, and herb gardens.
Many true mints share several traits: square stems, opposite leaves, strong aroma, small summer flowers, and a spreading habit. However, mint species and hybrids can vary widely in leaf size, color, hairiness, flavor, and growth habit.
Not every plant with “mint” in its common name is a true Mentha mint. Catmint, lemon balm, bee balm, mountain mint, and Korean mint are mint-family relatives, but they belong to different genera. They can still be useful garden herbs, but they should not be confused with true mint varieties.
How to Identify Mint Plants
The fastest way to identify a mint plant is to combine several clues instead of relying on one trait. A square stem and minty scent are helpful, but they are not enough for a safe ID if you plan to eat the plant.
| ID clue | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Stem shape | Many mint-family plants have square stems. | A useful clue, but not a complete ID. |
| Leaf arrangement | Leaves are often opposite each other on the stem. | Helps separate mint from many unrelated plants. |
| Leaf edge | Leaves are often serrated, toothed, wrinkled, hairy, or textured. | Leaf shape helps narrow the type. |
| Scent | Crushed leaves may smell sweet, sharp, citrusy, fruity, or menthol-rich. | Scent helps distinguish spearmint, peppermint, apple mint, and citrus mints. |
| Flowers | Small flowers may appear in spikes, clusters, or whorls. | Flower form can support identification. |
| Growth habit | Most true mints spread by runners or rhizomes. | Important for garden control. |
| Label/source | Check the nursery tag or scientific name. | Essential for culinary safety and correct use. |
Safety note: Do not eat unknown wild mint-like plants unless you can identify them confidently. Some mint relatives and lookalikes are not used the same way as culinary spearmint or peppermint.
30 Common Types of Mint Plants
The list below keeps the original HerbVity “30 varieties” structure but tightens the descriptions around identification, flavor, garden use, and safety. Where a common name is used differently by nurseries, check the scientific name on the label before buying.
1. Apple Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha suaveolens
- Flavor/aroma: Soft, fruity, slightly apple-like mint aroma.
- Best uses: Tea, salads, fruit drinks, garnishes, and light sauces.
- Growth habit: Spreading perennial with rounded, often fuzzy leaves.
- Container suitability: Excellent; grow in a pot to control runners.
- Invasiveness: High in open beds.
Why grow it: Apple mint is one of the best choices if you want a softer mint flavor that is less sharp than peppermint.
Notes: The original article also lists pineapple mint as another name, but variegated pineapple mint is usually treated as a cultivar of apple mint.
2. Asian Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha longifolia var. asiatica
- Flavor/aroma: Sharp, herbal, minty aroma.
- Best uses: Tea, regional cooking, and herb gardens.
- Growth habit: Upright mint with woolly stems and long leaves.
- Container suitability: Good in a large pot.
- Invasiveness: High if planted in the ground.
Why grow it: Asian mint is useful for readers interested in less common regional mint forms.
Notes: Treat it as a horsemint/silver mint relative and verify the name on the plant label.
3. Australian Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha australis
- Flavor/aroma: Minty with a peppery undertone.
- Best uses: Tea, sauces, desserts, and drinks where a native Australian mint is desired.
- Growth habit: Soft, aromatic plant that may sprawl or grow upright.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: Medium to high depending on climate and moisture.
Why grow it: Australian mint is a strong option for gardeners who want a native Australian herb with a classic mint profile.
Notes: Use young leaves for the best culinary texture and keep the plant contained.
4. Bergamot Mint / Orange Mint
- Scientific name: Often listed as Mentha × piperita f. citrata
- Flavor/aroma: Citrusy, floral, minty, and fragrant.
- Best uses: Tea, desserts, drinks, fragrance gardens, and herb containers.
- Growth habit: Spreading perennial with aromatic foliage.
- Container suitability: Excellent.
- Invasiveness: High in open beds.
Why grow it: Bergamot mint is a good choice when you want citrus notes instead of a classic spearmint flavor.
Notes: It is also commonly sold as orange mint or eau de cologne mint.
5. Canada Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha canadensis
- Flavor/aroma: Strong, cooling, peppermint-like aroma.
- Best uses: Tea, mint jelly, candies, fragrance, and naturalized moist areas.
- Growth habit: Upright perennial with opposite leaves and small violet-toned flowers.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Canada mint is useful for gardeners who want a native or wild-mint style plant with a strong menthol scent.
Notes: Also called American wild mint or American cornmint.
6. Chinese Mint
- Scientific name: Often listed as Mentha haplocalyx
- Flavor/aroma: Strong, cooling, herbal mint.
- Best uses: Tea, herb gardens, and traditional herb collections.
- Growth habit: Upright mint with toothed oval leaves and pale lilac flowers.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Chinese mint is valuable for readers comparing regional mint types rather than only common grocery-store mint.
Notes: The naming of Chinese mint can vary across references, so verify with a botanical or nursery label.
7. Corsican Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha requienii
- Flavor/aroma: Tiny-leaved, intensely minty fragrance.
- Best uses: Fragrant groundcover, edging, containers, and light ornamental use.
- Growth habit: Low, creeping, mat-forming plant.
- Container suitability: Good in shallow containers.
- Invasiveness: Medium; spreads as groundcover.
Why grow it: Corsican mint is one of the best mint types for fragrance underfoot or near paths, but it is not the best main culinary mint.
Notes: It is too delicate for heavy foot traffic.
8. Dahurian Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha dahurica
- Flavor/aroma: Aromatic, minty, and herbal.
- Best uses: Groundcover, specialty herb collections, and regional uses.
- Growth habit: Low to medium mint with fragrant foliage.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: Medium.
Why grow it: Dahurian mint gives the article a stronger botanical range beyond common culinary mints.
Notes: The original article uses the common name Dahurian thyme; use Dahurian mint in the updated article and verify imagery before publishing.
9. Garden Mint
- Scientific name: Often used for Mentha spicata or local garden mint forms
- Flavor/aroma: Sweet, classic mint.
- Best uses: Mint sauce, tea, drinks, salads, and general cooking.
- Growth habit: Upright spreading perennial.
- Container suitability: Excellent.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Garden mint is the practical everyday mint many readers want for cooking.
Notes: Because ‘garden mint’ is a loose common name, confirm the exact scientific name if buying a specific variety.
10. Japanese Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha arvensis var. piperascens
- Flavor/aroma: Strong, menthol-rich, cooling mint.
- Best uses: Tea, fragrance, essential-oil gardens, and specialty herb collections.
- Growth habit: Upright mint with soft leaves and pale blue-purple flowers.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Japanese mint is useful for strong mint aroma and menthol-rich fragrance.
Notes: Use it more carefully in recipes because its flavor can be stronger than spearmint.
11. Hart’s Pennyroyal
- Scientific name: Mentha cervina
- Flavor/aroma: Strong, distinctive, pennyroyal-like scent.
- Best uses: Ornamental herb gardens and regional culinary traditions where properly identified.
- Growth habit: Sprawling herb with narrow leaves and pale blue to lilac flowers.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: Medium.
Why grow it: Hart’s pennyroyal adds botanical diversity and is useful for readers comparing pennyroyal-like mints.
Notes: Because pennyroyal-type plants can raise safety concerns, do not recommend casual consumption without verification.
12. Large-Flowered Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha grandiflora
- Flavor/aroma: Strong, bitter, and not typically pleasant for cooking.
- Best uses: Ornamental and botanical interest.
- Growth habit: Small mint with pale lilac-purple flowers.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: Medium.
Why grow it: Large-flowered mint is best treated as an identification and specialty-plant entry, not a culinary recommendation.
Notes: The original article says it is not used in cooking; preserve that caution.
13. Menthe de Perse
- Scientific name: Mentha gattefossei
- Flavor/aroma: Aromatic, minty, and herbal.
- Best uses: Regional tea, flavoring, and specialty herb gardens.
- Growth habit: Creeping mint with broad leaves and pale flowers.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: Medium.
Why grow it: Menthe de Perse is useful for readers interested in rare and regional mint plants.
Notes: Use restrained wording around culinary use unless you can verify the exact plant source.
14. Native Pennyroyal
- Scientific name: Mentha satureioides
- Flavor/aroma: Pennyroyal-like, aromatic.
- Best uses: Fragrance, groundcover, and regional uses.
- Growth habit: Small, delicate mint with tiny white flowers.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: Medium.
Why grow it: Native pennyroyal gives the list another Australian mint species and helps readers distinguish it from European pennyroyal.
Notes: Do not frame it as a general culinary mint; verify safety before eating.
15. New Zealand Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha cunninghamii
- Flavor/aroma: Mild mint aroma.
- Best uses: Fragrance, regional use, and native-plant interest.
- Growth habit: Very slender, wiry, often mat-forming mint.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: Medium.
Why grow it: New Zealand mint looks different from many common culinary mints, so it is helpful for identification-focused readers.
Notes: Use the Māori/common-name details carefully and verify before expanding cultural uses.
16. Pennyroyal
- Scientific name: Mentha pulegium
- Flavor/aroma: Very pungent, spearmint-like scent.
- Best uses: Ornamental history and insect-repellent traditions; not recommended for casual consumption.
- Growth habit: Low, spreading mint with small purple flowers.
- Container suitability: Good but use caution.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Pennyroyal is important to include because readers search for edible and poisonous mint plants.
Notes: Do not drink pennyroyal oil or pennyroyal tea. Treat this section as a safety warning, not a recipe recommendation.
17. Princess Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha japonica
- Flavor/aroma: Small, aromatic, pennyroyal-like scent.
- Best uses: Collector herb gardens and fragrance.
- Growth habit: Small mint with pale flowers.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: Medium.
Why grow it: Princess mint is a useful rare-species entry for readers comparing true Mentha species.
Notes: Avoid broad culinary or medicinal claims unless additional source verification is added.
18. Royle’s Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha royleana
- Flavor/aroma: Strong mint aroma.
- Best uses: Regional sauces, salads, and herb collections where properly identified.
- Growth habit: Upright herb with narrow oblong leaves.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: Medium to high.
Why grow it: Royle’s mint helps broaden the list beyond common garden-store options.
Notes: The original article has no usable image block here; add a verified image before publishing if possible.
19. Silver Mint / Horsemint
- Scientific name: Mentha longifolia
- Flavor/aroma: Strong, peppermint-like aroma.
- Best uses: Tea, fragrance, pollinator gardens, and larger herb beds.
- Growth habit: Tall spreading mint with long, often hairy leaves.
- Container suitability: Large pot recommended.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Silver mint is useful where readers want a taller, more textured mint plant.
Notes: Also commonly called horsemint or long-leaved mint.
20. Slender Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha diemenica
- Flavor/aroma: Strong mint smell.
- Best uses: Garnish, drinks, containers, and groundcover.
- Growth habit: Low-growing, matting plant with variable leaves.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: Medium.
Why grow it: Slender mint is a useful compact mint for gardeners who want a smaller native Australian type.
Notes: It may vary in hairiness, leaf margin, and flower color.
21. Spearmint
- Scientific name: Mentha spicata
- Flavor/aroma: Sweet, mild, classic mint flavor.
- Best uses: Mojitos, mint sauce, salads, lamb, peas, tea, and desserts.
- Growth habit: Upright perennial that spreads by rhizomes.
- Container suitability: Excellent.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Spearmint is probably the best all-purpose culinary mint for most home gardeners.
Notes: Use this as the main reference point when comparing mint flavors.
22. Watermint
- Scientific name: Mentha aquatica
- Flavor/aroma: Strong, menthol-rich, sometimes too intense for delicate dishes.
- Best uses: Tea, wet garden edges, and specialty mint gardens.
- Growth habit: Moisture-loving mint with pink to lilac flowers.
- Container suitability: Good in wet containers.
- Invasiveness: High in moist soil.
Why grow it: Watermint is important because it is one parent of peppermint.
Notes: Use carefully in recipes because the flavor can be very strong.
23. Wild Mint / Field Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha arvensis
- Flavor/aroma: Sharp, penetrating, slightly bitter mint.
- Best uses: Tea, fragrance, and wild/native-style gardens.
- Growth habit: Upright, spreading mint with small flowers in leaf axils.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Wild mint is useful for readers trying to identify field mint, corn mint, or Japanese peppermint relatives.
Notes: Do not eat wild-collected plants unless identification is certain.
24. Chocolate Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha × piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate’
- Flavor/aroma: Minty with cocoa-like and vanilla-like notes.
- Best uses: Desserts, tea, ice cream, custards, cocktails, and garnishes.
- Growth habit: Spreading peppermint-type cultivar with dark stems or veins.
- Container suitability: Excellent.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Chocolate mint is one of the best specialty mints for dessert-focused gardeners.
Notes: Its chocolate note is subtle; do not expect it to taste like sweetened chocolate.
25. Cuban Mint / Mojito Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha × villosa
- Flavor/aroma: Sweet, mild, less pungent mint.
- Best uses: Mojitos, cocktails, tea, lamb dishes, and garnishes.
- Growth habit: Spreading hybrid mint.
- Container suitability: Excellent.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Cuban mint is one of the best mints for cocktails because it is smoother than peppermint.
Notes: Often sold as mojito mint or Bowles’ mint.
26. False Apple Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha × rotundifolia
- Flavor/aroma: Fruity, sweet, apple-like mint.
- Best uses: Sauces, salads, grilled meats, desserts, tea, iced drinks, and fruit drinks.
- Growth habit: Spreading hybrid with large leaves.
- Container suitability: Excellent.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: False apple mint is a good option when you like apple mint but want to compare related hybrid forms.
Notes: It is often described as a cross involving horsemint and apple mint.
27. Ginger Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha × gracilis
- Flavor/aroma: Minty with warm, ginger-like notes.
- Best uses: Tea, fruit dishes, savory dishes, candies, and herb gardens.
- Growth habit: Spreading hybrid with upright stems.
- Container suitability: Excellent.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Ginger mint is a useful flavor bridge between classic spearmint and warmer spice notes.
Notes: Also sold as Scotchmint, Scotch spearmint, or redmint.
28. Peppermint
- Scientific name: Mentha × piperita
- Flavor/aroma: Strong, cooling, menthol-heavy mint.
- Best uses: Tea, desserts, candies, hot chocolate, fragrance, and garnishes.
- Growth habit: Rhizomatous perennial that usually grows 1–2 feet tall and spreads.
- Container suitability: Excellent.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Peppermint is the best mint when you want a strong, cooling flavor rather than a mild culinary mint.
Notes: It is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint.
29. Red Raripila Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha × smithiana
- Flavor/aroma: Strong mint aroma.
- Best uses: Tea, herb gardens, and ornamental red-stem interest.
- Growth habit: Spreading hybrid with reddish stems.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Red raripila mint gives the list an ornamental-stem option for gardeners who want something less common.
Notes: It is commonly described as a hybrid involving watermint, field mint, and spearmint.
30. Sharp-Toothed Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha × villosonervata
- Flavor/aroma: Herbal, minty, and aromatic.
- Best uses: Specialty herb gardens and mint collections.
- Growth habit: Spreading hybrid mint.
- Container suitability: Good.
- Invasiveness: High.
Why grow it: Sharp-toothed mint is a useful close for the 30-variety list because it shows how many garden mints are hybrids.
Notes: Verify nursery labels before making culinary claims.
Bonus: Grapefruit Mint
- Scientific name: Mentha × piperita f. citrata ‘Grapefruit’
- Flavor/aroma: Fruity, citrusy, grapefruit-like mint.
- Best uses: Drinks, fruit salads, desserts, teas, and containers.
- Growth habit: Spreading peppermint-type cultivar.
- Container suitability: Excellent.
- Invasiveness: High if planted in open soil.
Why grow it: Grapefruit mint is a useful bonus variety for readers who want unusual citrus-mint flavors.
Notes: Keep it as a bonus section so the page can still target “30 varieties of mint with pictures” while preserving the existing image and useful cultivar information.
Mint Relatives and Lookalikes
Some plants are in the mint family but are not true Mentha mints. They may have square stems, opposite leaves, aromatic foliage, or “mint” in the common name, but they belong to different genera.
| Plant | Genus | True Mentha mint? | How to handle it in this article |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catmint | Nepeta | No | Mention as a mint-family relative, not a true mint variety. |
| Lemon balm | Melissa | No | Useful lemon-scented herb, but not a true mint. |
| Korean mint | Agastache | No | Better treated as an anise hyssop relative. |
| Mountain mint | Pycnanthemum | No | Excellent pollinator plant but a different genus. |
| Bee balm | Monarda | No | Mint family, but not a true mint plant. |
| Calamint | Calamintha or related genera | No | Use as a lookalike/relative rather than a main mint type. |
Peppermint vs Spearmint
Peppermint is stronger, sharper, and more cooling, while spearmint is sweeter, milder, and better for most fresh culinary uses. Peppermint is best when you want a bold menthol flavor in tea, desserts, candies, or fragrance blends. Spearmint is usually better for mojitos, mint sauce, salads, peas, lamb, and fresh garnishes.
| Feature | Peppermint | Spearmint |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Mentha × piperita | Mentha spicata |
| Flavor | Strong, cooling, menthol-rich | Sweet, mild, fresh |
| Best for | Tea, desserts, hot chocolate, candies | Mojitos, mint sauce, salads, savory cooking |
| Growth habit | Spreading perennial | Spreading perennial |
| Beginner choice | Good if you like strong mint | Best all-purpose culinary choice |
Best Types of Mint for Tea
The best mint for tea depends on whether you want a strong, sweet, fruity, citrusy, or dessert-like flavor.
- Peppermint: Best for strong, cooling tea.
- Spearmint: Best for mild, sweet, everyday mint tea.
- Apple mint: Best for soft, fruity tea blends.
- Chocolate mint: Best for dessert-style tea.
- Orange or bergamot mint: Best for citrus-mint tea.
- Ginger mint: Best for warm, spicy-mint blends.
- Moroccan-style spearmint: Best for classic sweet mint tea.
Avoid using pennyroyal for tea. For less common mint plants, verify culinary safety before steeping the leaves.
Best Types of Mint for Cooking
Spearmint is the safest default for cooking because it has a sweet, familiar flavor that works in savory and sweet dishes. Peppermint is useful in desserts but can overpower delicate foods.
- Spearmint: Mint sauce, lamb, peas, salads, tabbouleh, and mojitos.
- Apple mint: Fruit salads, drinks, light sauces, and summer dishes.
- Orange mint: Desserts, fruit drinks, citrus salads, and tea.
- Mojito mint: Cocktails, mocktails, drinks, and fresh garnishes.
- Ginger mint: Fruit dishes, chutneys, tea, and savory herb mixes.
- Chocolate mint: Desserts, ice cream, custards, and cocoa pairings.
Best Types of Mint for Containers
Mint is usually best grown in containers because most true mints spread quickly. A pot keeps runners contained, makes harvesting easier, and prevents one mint type from taking over an herb bed.
Good container mints include peppermint, spearmint, apple mint, chocolate mint, orange mint, pineapple mint, ginger mint, mojito mint, and Moroccan-style spearmint. Use a pot with drainage holes, keep the soil evenly moist, and harvest often to keep plants bushy.
Is Mint Invasive?
Most true mint plants are aggressive spreaders. They can root where stems touch soil and spread underground through rhizomes. This is useful if you want a fragrant groundcover, but it can be a problem in mixed herb beds.
To control mint, grow it in containers, raised beds with barriers, or bottomless pots sunk into the soil. Keep the rim slightly above the soil surface so stems do not root over the edge. Harvest regularly and divide crowded containers every few years.
For planting combinations, see HerbVity’s guides to companion plants for mint and herbs that grow well together.
How to Choose the Right Mint Variety
| Goal | Best mint types | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best for tea | Peppermint, spearmint, apple mint, chocolate mint | Strong aroma and clean flavor. |
| Best for mojitos | Spearmint, mojito mint, Cuban mint | Sweet and less harsh than peppermint. |
| Best for desserts | Peppermint, chocolate mint, orange mint, grapefruit mint | Pairs well with chocolate, cream, and fruit. |
| Best for savory cooking | Spearmint, apple mint, ginger mint | Balanced flavor for sauces and salads. |
| Best for containers | Spearmint, peppermint, apple mint, chocolate mint, orange mint | Common, easy to harvest, and simple to contain. |
| Best for groundcover | Corsican mint, apple mint, watermint in damp areas | Spreading growth can cover bare soil. |
| Best fragrance | Peppermint, bergamot mint, chocolate mint | Strong aromatic leaves. |
| Best for pollinators | Spearmint, silver mint, watermint | Flowers attract bees and beneficial insects. |
| Best ornamental foliage | Pineapple mint, grapefruit mint, chocolate mint | Variegated or colored foliage. |
| Best beginner mint | Spearmint | Easy to grow and useful in many recipes. |
| Best mild flavor | Spearmint, apple mint, mojito mint | Softer than peppermint. |
| Best strong flavor | Peppermint, watermint, Japanese mint | More menthol-rich and intense. |
Basic Mint Care Tips
- Light: Mint usually grows in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade can help.
- Soil: Use moist but well-draining soil with organic matter.
- Water: Keep container mint evenly moist, especially during hot weather.
- Containers: Use pots for most mint types to control spread.
- Harvesting: Pick young shoot tips regularly for the best flavor and bushier growth.
- Flowers: Pinch flowers if leaf production is the main goal, or let some bloom for pollinators.
- Propagation: Mint is easy to propagate by cuttings, division, or rooted runners.
- Winter: Many mints die back in winter and regrow in spring, depending on species and climate.
- Pests and disease: Watch for aphids, spider mites, rust, mildew, and poor airflow.
- Safety: Do not consume unknown mint-like plants, pennyroyal oil, or any mint that is not clearly identified as culinary-safe.
Common Mistakes When Growing Mint
- Planting mint directly in open beds: Most true mints spread quickly and can take over.
- Assuming all mints taste the same: Peppermint, spearmint, apple mint, and citrus mints have very different uses.
- Confusing mint relatives with true mint: Catmint, lemon balm, and bee balm are in the mint family, but they are not true Mentha mints.
- Using pennyroyal like ordinary mint: Pennyroyal is not a safe substitute for peppermint or spearmint.
- Letting mint flower too early: Flowering can reduce tender leaf production if you are growing mint mainly for harvest.
- Using a tiny pot: Mint grows quickly and needs enough root space.
- Overwatering poorly drained containers: Mint likes moisture, but soggy roots can cause problems.
- Underwatering in summer: Container mint dries faster than in-ground mint.
- Mixing mint varieties without labels: Different mints can become difficult to tell apart.
- Eating wild mint-like plants without positive identification: Always verify the plant before consuming it.
Video About Different Types of Mint Plants
The existing video can stay, but place it below the comparison and identification sections so readers get the quick answer first.
Related HerbVity Guides
- Companion plants for mint
- Herbs that grow well together
- Companion plants for basil
- Companion plants for thyme
- Companion plants for oregano
- Companion plants for chives
- Companion plants for cilantro
- Companion plants for sage
- Companion plants for rosemary
- DIY hanging herb garden
- Gardening soil vs potting soil
- Raised beds vs in-ground gardening
FAQs About Types of Mint Plants
How many types of mint plants are there?
Kew’s Plants of the World Online currently lists 26 accepted Mentha species, plus accepted hybrids. Gardeners will also find many named cultivars and flavored selections sold as mint varieties.
What are the most common mint varieties?
The most common mint varieties for home gardeners are spearmint, peppermint, apple mint, chocolate mint, orange mint, mojito mint, and sometimes pineapple mint.
What is the best mint for tea?
Peppermint is best for a strong cooling tea, while spearmint is better for a milder, sweeter tea. Apple mint, chocolate mint, and orange mint are good for flavored tea blends.
What is the best mint for mojitos?
Spearmint or mojito mint is usually best for mojitos because the flavor is sweet and fresh without being as sharp as peppermint.
What is the difference between peppermint and spearmint?
Peppermint has a stronger, cooler, more menthol-heavy flavor. Spearmint is sweeter, milder, and better for many fresh culinary uses such as mojitos, salads, and mint sauce.
Is mint invasive?
Most true mint plants spread aggressively by runners or rhizomes. Grow mint in containers, raised beds with barriers, or bottomless pots sunk into the soil if you do not want it to spread.
What mint is best for containers?
Spearmint, peppermint, apple mint, chocolate mint, orange mint, ginger mint, and mojito mint are all good for containers. A pot helps control their spreading roots.
Are all mint plants edible?
No. Many common culinary mints are edible, but not every plant called mint should be eaten. Pennyroyal is a major caution, and unknown wild mint-like plants should not be consumed without positive identification.
How do I identify a mint plant?
Look for square stems, opposite leaves, a strong aroma when leaves are crushed, small flowers, and spreading runners. Confirm with a plant label or botanical source before eating the plant.
What type of mint has the strongest flavor?
Peppermint, watermint, Japanese mint, and wild mint tend to have stronger, sharper, more menthol-rich flavors than spearmint or apple mint.
Is catmint the same as mint?
No. Catmint is in the mint family, but it belongs to the genus Nepeta, not Mentha. It is a mint relative, not a true mint plant.
Is lemon balm a type of mint?
Lemon balm is in the mint family, but it is not a true Mentha mint. It belongs to the genus Melissa and has a lemony scent rather than a classic mint flavor.
Final Thoughts
For most gardeners, spearmint is the best all-purpose culinary mint, peppermint is the best strong tea and dessert mint, and apple mint is one of the best mild fruity mints. If you want cocktail mint, choose spearmint or mojito mint. If you want unusual flavor, try chocolate, orange, ginger, or grapefruit mint.
Whatever mint variety you choose, grow it in a container first. Mint is easy to grow, but it spreads quickly, and a pot is the simplest way to enjoy fresh leaves without letting the plant take over your garden.
Lihna Padock
Saturday 19th of November 2022
Thank you for the valuable information on the varieties of mint. I'm interested to know if there are any mint variety that grows in the tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean? Your response is greatly needed and appreciated.
brock.yates@brockly.org
Thursday 24th of November 2022
Mint is a pretty hardy plant, so the setup for success will depend on your soil and placement. You can also use a greenhouse as another alternative if the weather is too cold during winter. "Mentha australis" could be a good candidate for you as one example.