Maintenance Landscaping Design

Alpine mint bush is a low-growing, evergreen shrub native to the Alps. It has small, dark green leaves and white flowers that bloom in summer. The plant is used in folk medicine and as a culinary herb.

Also called

• Swiss Mountain Mint
  
• Pygmy Bluebells
  
• Creeping Bellflower
  
• Alpine Phlox
  
• Mountain Fleabane

Good to Know

• The alpine mint bush is a perennial herb that is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
  
• It grows up to 5 meters tall and has fragrant, oval-shaped leaves.
  
• The plant blooms from June to August, bearing white or pink flowers.
  
• Alpine mint bush is cultivated for its essential oil, which is used in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics.
  
• The plant is also used as a culinary herb, added to salads, soups, and stews.
  
• Alpine mint bush can be invasive, and therefore, it is important to plant it in an area where it will not spread.
  
• The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
  
• It is drought-tolerant and can survive in poor soil conditions.
  
• Alpine mint bush is susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot.
  
• It is important to deadhead the flowers to prevent the plant from self-seeding.

How to Grow

1. For alpine mint bush, first step is to find a location where the plant will get at least 6 hours of sun exposure each day.
   
2. Prepare the planting area by tilling the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches.
   
3. Add a layer of organic matter to the planting area.
   
4. Mix in a slow-release fertilizer into the planting area.
   
5. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
6. Place the plant in the hole and fill in with soil.
   
7. Tamp down the soil around the base of the plant.
   
8. Water the plant deeply.
   
9. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant.
   
10. Prune the plant to encourage bushiness.

Related plant:
Alpine Currant

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the alpine mint bush seems to prefer soil that is on the drier side. It also prefers soil that is not too nutrient rich. For these reasons, alpine mint bush is often found in areas that have poor quality soils.

Light condition

Like the other plants, the alpine mint bush needs sunlight to grow. However, this plant is a bit more tolerant of shady areas than other plants. It can still grow and bloom in partial shade, but it will produce more flowers if it gets full sun. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you may want to give this plant some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the alpine mint bush is one that is cool and moist. This plant does not like it when it is hot and dry outside. The alpine mint bush will do best in an area that gets some sun but is not in direct sunlight.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60%. During the winter, the plant can tolerate a lower humidity level of around 40%. If the humidity level drops below 30%, the plant may start to experience stress.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does not require a lot of nutrients. However, a little compost or organic matter added to the soil will give the plant a boost. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow so be careful not to damage them when you are working in the area.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your alpine mint bush healthy and vigorous. To prune, simply remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems with sharp, clean shears. Cut back any overgrown or leggy stems to encourage new growth. Generally, it is best to prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

The Propagation

Propagation is by seed, cuttings or layering. Seeds can be sown in spring in a cold frame. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10-15cm with a heel, taken in summer, root readily in a shady position in well-drained soil. Layering can be done in late summer/autumn.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate experiments show that the plant grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. However, the plant is tolerant of a range of soils and growing conditions. It will even grow in shallow, rocky soils. The alpine mint bush has a deep root system that helps it to withstand drought conditions.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, slugs, and root rot. Aphids are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and wilt. Slugs are a common garden pest that feed on the leaves of the plant, leaving them ragged and damaged. Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and die.

Basics of Growing

• Remember to keep your alpine mint bush moist, but not waterlogged.
  
• When growing alpine mint bush, make sure to provide adequate drainage.
  
• Alpine mint bush prefer full sun to partial shade.
  
• Fertilize your alpine mint bush regularly.
  
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
  
• Prune your alpine mint bush regularly to encourage new growth.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  
• Mulch around your alpine mint bush to help retain moisture.
  
• Divide your alpine mint bush every few years to keep it healthy.
  
• Enjoy the delicious fragrance of your alpine mint bush all season long!

Alternative Plants

• Alpine Mint Bush (Prostanthera forsskahlii)
  
• Alpine Mint ( Productea rubra)
  
• Alpine Mint Bush (Prostanthera densiflora)
  
• Alpine Mint ( Calamintha nepeta)
  
• Alpine Mint Bush (Prostanthera rotundifolia)
  
• Alpine Mint ( Clinopodium nepeta)
  
• Alpine Mint ( Lamio nepeta)
  
• Alpine Mint Bush (Prostanthera cuneata)
  
• Alpine Mint ( Origanum vulgare)
  
• Alpine Mint ( Stachys nepeta)

Source:
Pineapple Mint, Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’ - Wisconsin …
Sidney A. Bush - Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research
Alpine - KDE Santa Barbara