Pennyroyal
Mentha pulegium · Lamiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant pennyroyal: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- Summer (July to September), mauve to violet flowers
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Moderate (down to -5°C approximately)
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and Middle East
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light, tolerates poor soils
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Watering
Water regularly during growth, without excess. Pennyroyal dreads stagnant moisture: let the soil dry slightly between waterings. In winter, reduce watering significantly. Perfect drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Exposure
Install the plant in full sun for better growth and optimal aromatic concentration. It tolerates partial shade, but grows less vigorously there. Protect it from drying winds that weaken the foliage.
Pruning and cutting
Pinch back young shoots regularly to encourage a bushy, compact habit. Harvest fresh leaves as needed. In late autumn, cut the plant down to soil level to prepare for overwintering, especially in cold areas.
Soil and planting
Prepare a light, well-draining substrate enriched with a little organic matter. Pennyroyal adapts to poor soils but dreads root asphyxiation. In pots, use a potting soil-sand mix to promote drainage.
Fertilizer
During the growing season (spring-summer), apply a balanced fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks at low doses. A plant in rich soil barely needs it. Stop feeding in autumn-winter.
Diseases and pests
Watch for root rot linked to excess moisture. Aphids and spider mites can infest the foliage: rinse with clear water or use a black soap solution if necessary. Powdery mildew can appear in overly humid conditions.
Did you know?
Pennyroyal was highly prized in the Middle Ages and in Europe, particularly for making digestive infusions and folk remedies. Its name 'pouliot' comes from the Latin pulicium (herb for fleas), as it was once used to repel parasites. Today, it remains a precious aromatic plant in Mediterranean gardens, although its toxicity at high doses has gradually restricted its uses in modern therapy.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- ThymeThymus vulgaris
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
- SageSalvia officinalis
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- BugleAjuga reptans
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.