Mentha pulegium - Pennyroyal, Pond Marginal Plant
Mentha pulegium - Pennyroyal, Pond Marginal Plant
£19.50
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Planting Time
Flowering Time
Mentha pulegium, known as pennyroyal, is a scarce UK native mint that forms a low, creeping mat of small, strongly mint-scented leaves. In summer it carries whorls of lilac to pale lavender-pink flowers. In the wild it grows in seasonally flooded grassland and around pools.
Pennyroyal at a glance
| Botanical name | Mentha pulegium |
|---|---|
| Common name | Pennyroyal |
| Plant type | Low, creeping, mat-forming perennial; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread | Low mat; flower stems about 10–50 cm (sources differ), spreading 10–50 cm |
| Flowers | Lilac to pale lavender-pink, in whorls, June to September |
| Position | Full sun or part shade |
| Soil | Moist or wet soil; any pH; chalk, clay, loam or sand |
| Pond depth | 0–1 cm – wet soil or the very shallow edge |
| Hardiness | RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to | UK (scarce native wild flower) |
Is pennyroyal poisonous?
Yes. Although it is a mint, it is not a culinary herb. The RHS says it is harmful if eaten and not edible. It contains pulegone, which damages the liver, and people have been poisoned after mistaking it for culinary mint. It should not be used in pregnancy, and it is toxic to cats. Wear gloves when handling it and keep pets away from it.
Is it legal to grow?
Yes, as nursery-grown stock. Wild pennyroyal is endangered in Great Britain and protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, so never collect it from the wild.
Where to plant pennyroyal
- Wet soil or the very shallow edge of a wildlife pond
- Damp ground that floods in winter
- Full sun or part shade, away from pets
How to plant and care for it
Plant in spring in moist or wet soil. The RHS warns it may become a nuisance if not managed, so trim back wandering stems. Bees visit the flowers. Watch for mint rust and powdery mildew.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
Pond depth: 0 - 1cm
Light: Full sun or part shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Height and spread: 20 - 40cm tall, 30 - 50cm wide
Planting and flowering months are shown in the calendar under the photos.
Bare root (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants sent without a pot or compost, ready to plant straight away. The most economical way to plant a group.
Potted (9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants growing in our recycled, peat-free compost made in Lincolnshire. Larger sizes give a faster display.
Pack of 3 (7 cm bare-root, 9 cm bare-root, 1 litre bare-root, 3 litre bare-root): three plants of the chosen size at a lower price per plant.
2x Pot & Compost: two plants supplied with pots and compost.
Sizes shown with a line through them are currently unavailable.
At Lincs Plants, we strive to provide fast and reliable shipping to ensure your plants arrive in perfect condition. We offer 1-3 day shipping through a variety of dispatch methods to suit your needs.
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