Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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japanese mint plant

The Japanese mint plant is a fragrant, easy-care herb prized by gardeners for its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility. With glossy green foliage and a fresh, invigorating scent, Japanese mint is a standout addition to edible, ornamental, and medicinal gardens throughout New Zealand. Whether you're looking to enhance your herb patch, add a pop of green to your landscape, or attract pollinators to your backyard, Japanese mint offers beauty, functionality, and resilience.

Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy lime-green foliage and natural resilience. Ideal for hedging, screening, or coastal planting, this hardy variety thrives in various conditions and offers year-round colour with minimal maintenance.

Buy Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

From $12.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 5.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native

Liriope spicata 'Franklin Mint' plant with lush green foliage and pink flowers.

Liriope 'Franklin Mint'

Liriope 'Franklin Mint' features strap-like, dark green leaves and short stems that carry masses of tiny, lilac-coloured flowers that emerge amidst the foliage in summer. It typically grows to 45 cm tall and the same, but will spread to colonise a much larger area over time.

Buy Liriope 'Franklin Mint'

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Grasses

Height: 45 cm

Spread: 45 cm

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

What Is the Japanese Mint Plant?

Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis var. piperascens) belongs to the well-loved mint family but stands out for its especially potent menthol aroma. Native to East Asia, this perennial herb thrives in a variety of climates and is often grown for both culinary and therapeutic uses. The plant features lance-shaped leaves and delicate, pale lilac flowers during warm months, making it attractive to bees and beneficial insects.

Growing Japanese Mint in New Zealand Gardens

Japanese mint plant is well-suited to New Zealand’s temperate garden conditions. It does best in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade, though it’s tolerant of a wide range of positions. Known for its robust growth, Japanese mint spreads readily, so containing it in pots or garden beds is recommended to prevent it from overtaking other plants.

Like other mint varieties, the Japanese mint plant appreciates regular watering but doesn't like waterlogged roots. It's a great companion next to shrubs and ground covers. If you love mints but want something with a shrubby habit and beautiful blooms, Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant) is a stunning choice for New Zealand gardens.

Uses for the Japanese Mint Plant

The Japanese mint plant is beloved for its versatility:

Culinary Use: Snip fresh leaves to flavour teas, mojitos, desserts, or Southeast Asian dishes. The crisp menthol taste is more intense than common spearmint.
Health and Wellness: Japanese mint oil is valued for its high menthol content, making it a natural remedy in balms, massage oils, and inhalants to clear sinuses or soothe muscles.
Ornamental Value: Its lush green leaves pair beautifully in herbaceous borders, or grow alongside architectural foliage like Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia) or the striking blade-form of Liriope 'Franklin Mint'.

Companion Plants and Garden Design Tips

For those who love minty fragrance but want year-round structure, Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' provides glossy evergreen foliage and works beautifully as a hedge or backdrop to your Japanese mint patch. If you're looking for a reliable groundcover under your mint, Pachysandra terminalis forms a lush, weed-suppressing carpet in shady spots.

Caring for Japanese Mint

To maintain a healthy Japanese mint plant, trim regularly to encourage bushy, new growth and prevent flowering, which can reduce flavour. Divide clumps each year to keep the plant vigorous and contained. Watch for aphids, but overall, Japanese mint is delightfully low-maintenance and rewarding.

Whether you're growing it for kitchen use, herbal tea, or simply for its fresh fragrance in the garden, the Japanese mint plant makes a wonderful, versatile addition to any New Zealand garden. Explore the possibilities and enrich your next growing season with this aromatic favourite.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

japanese mint plant

Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Liriope 'Franklin Mint'

Did you find what you are looking for?

What Is the Japanese Mint Plant?

Growing Japanese Mint in New Zealand Gardens

Uses for the Japanese Mint Plant

Companion Plants and Garden Design Tips

Caring for Japanese Mint

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

japanese mint plant

Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Liriope 'Franklin Mint'

Did you find what you are looking for?

What Is the Japanese Mint Plant?

Growing Japanese Mint in New Zealand Gardens

Uses for the Japanese Mint Plant

Companion Plants and Garden Design Tips

Caring for Japanese Mint

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

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