Requien's mint
Mentha requienii · Lamiaceae
📷 SB Johnny · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant requien's mint: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, very small and finely cut
- Flowering
- June to July, small pink or mauve flowers
- Adult size
- 5 cm in height, creeping ground cover
- Growth
- Fast and trailing
- Hardiness
- Zone 6-8 (protect in cold climates)
- Origin
- Sardinia and Corsica
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light, slightly acidic
- Use
- Edible, ideal for rock gardens and alpine gardens
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Mentha requienii needs gentle and consistent moisture; mulch to keep roots cool.
The common mistake
Neglecting it or letting it dry out in summer: it deteriorates quickly, often without recovery even if you rehydrate it afterward.
The pro's trick
Trim lightly in June to encourage branching and prevent it from becoming a thin, loose mat.
Care
Light Exposure
Position this mint in part shade, ideally with 3 to 4 hours of sunlight daily. It fears the scorching afternoon sun in warm climates, which quickly dries out its delicate small leaves. In cool climates, it tolerates sunnier positions better.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but without excess water, as it dreads root suffocation. Water regularly during the growing period (spring-summer), especially in dry soil or vegetable gardens. In winter, space out watering according to climate conditions.
Soil and Drainage
Prepare a light, well-draining substrate rich in organic matter. Adding peat or leaf mold improves soil structure and moderate moisture retention. Avoid heavy clay soils that promote root rot.
Pruning and Pinching
Regularly pinch young stems to encourage bushy, compact growth. Gentle pinching early in the season is usually sufficient. Remove dead or damaged stems as needed.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced diluted fertilizer every 15 days during active growing period, or slow-release fertilizer in spring. This small mint is not demanding, and excess nitrogen can reduce the aromatic intensity of the leaves.
Health and Pests
Watch for excessive moisture that can promote powdery mildew or rust development. Ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid watering the foliage late in the day. Rarely troubled by pests, it generally remains vigorous and healthy.
Did you know?
Requien's Mint is a micromint native to Mediterranean islands, notably known in Corsica. It owes its scientific name to Emmanuel Requien, a 19th-century French botanist passionate about Mediterranean flora. Its tiny leaves (barely 2-3 mm) make it a botanical curiosity beloved by alpine and miniature garden enthusiasts.
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.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.