Mint remains a valuable culinary plant but can grow aggressively in the garden. But there is one cultivar called the Corsican mint, also known as Mentha requienii, with green leaves and is a very low-growing species to grow as ground cover. Yet, it is ideal for paths to walkways in the yard.
The other fantastic thing is you grow Corsican mint as a container plant with other herbs and flowers.
Plant Name: Mentha requienii
Other Name: Corsican mint
Plant Type: Perennial
Native Areas: Sardinia, Corsica, Italy, France
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Moderate
Fertilizer: Slow-release fertilizer
Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets
Temperature: High humidity to moderate temperatures
Propagation: Self-seeds readily and division
Growth: 1/4 inch tall
Soil Type: Well-drained soil
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6-9
More About Corsican Mint Plants
Mentha requienii is another valuable culinary plant you grow as a ground cover as it is a low-growing herb. The Corsican mint can grow as a bedding plant to use in landscaping. The mint plant is a ground-hugging plant that spreads as it self seeds readily.
The ground-hugging plant has a strong minty aroma with a strong mint flavor used in food and drinks. Another huge benefit is that the low-growing herb handles foot traffic well and can thrive in a shady spot.
So, you can use the mini mint to fill in around stepping stones or pathways. But you will find the ground cover can freeze in harsh temperatures. But as the snow melts, they self-seed in spring. As a result, the creeping mint has bright green shoots spilling into the garden.
Tiny mauve flowers appear in early summer, giving off a pepper-minty aroma that refreshes you on a hot day. Still, a warning the Corsican mint plants are invasive species in the southeastern parts of the United States.
But this does not mean you cannot grow them as they grow well as a container plant. Hence, you can use the tiny leaves for culinary purposes. Or you can add it to give your home decor a splash of green color.
Snip some of the round leaves to flavor hot and cold drinks, or use the mints bright green leaves to add flavor to baked goods. It will add a strong mint flavor.
Mentha Requienii Care
While Corsican mint plants make for a perfect ground cover plant, always consider if you can grow this invasive species in your garden to control it. As you know, most mint plants can grow aggressively as they usually self-seed.
It does grow low to the ground with thin narrow stems. But you can grow them in containers on the patio as well.
Best Soil For This Ground Hugging Plant
The garden Corsican mint to container plants can grow in different soil types. So, you can grow Corsican mint in clay, sandy, or average soil. For this reason, this mint is a vigorous spreader as it can tolerate what other plants cannot.
But we still recommend providing your young plants with well-drained soil with some organic matter added. It can also tolerate alkaline soils well.
Suitable Light For Your Mini Mint Plants
The Corsican mint can grow well in partial sunlight and tolerate full sun but prefers partial shade.
Still, the ground cover will freeze if you live in the USDA plant hardiness zones, where you get heavy snowfall to low temperatures. They self-seed readily when the ice starts to melt.
But if you live in cooler climates, we recommend providing them with full sun.
The same applies when growing the mini mint indoors, as it will need bright indirect light in the morning to grow.
Watering Corsican Mint
The watering needs are moderate for the Corsican mint plants. But Corsican mint thrives on consistently moist soil. For this reason, it helps to provide them with well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
The mint plants can tolerate drought to some extent but not too long. So, if grown outdoors between stepping stones in hot, dry climates, you will do regular watering to keep the soil moist.
But cut down on the watering in winter as your mint plants go dormant. Watering less in winter will help keep the soil dry and prevent ice buildups in freezing temperatures. Furthermore, overwatering in colder climates can lead to fungal diseases.
Temperature and Humidity
Corsican mint plants are sensitive to temperatures and grow well in the USDA plant hardiness zones 6 to 9. Still, when the green leaves are consistently moist, they will become slimy and black.
Many gardeners advise that you can grow it outdoors in very cold climates and add a layer of mulch to protect them from freezing temperatures.
Still, as with most other cultivated mints, you need to keep an eye on them to prevent root rot from taking place.
Fertilizing Corsican Mint
Fertilize Corsican mint with a water-soluble fertilizer in early spring as it is a light feeder. Also, take extra care not to overfertilize, as it can kill your plant. This applies to garden Corsican mint and ones grown in containers.
Repotting And Pruning Corsican Mint
When you notice the roots growing out of the drainage holes, container-grown mint will need repotting. Then, you only need to go a size up and fill the pot with high-quality well-drained potting soil.
The fantastic thing about container-grown Corsican mint is that you will enjoy the desirable mint smell in the home. In addition, you will have your herbs on hand to use in baked goods or to flavor hot and cold beverages.
You can use the pruning or mowing technique for Corsican mint grown as a groundcover. For sowing multiple seeds in a planter and your young plants start growing leaves, you can trim them using scissors to add to food.
Or you can place the snipped oval leaves somewhere else in the home to enjoy the strong mint fragrance.
How to Propagate Corsican Mint
When you start with Corsican mint, you can sow the seeds in a seed pellet indoors before the last frost date. The temperature must be at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit for outdoor sowing multiple seeds. Press the seeds into the soil and water.
The seeds will germinate in 14 days, and once they are bigger, it helps to thin young plants out to spread. But propagating the mint is best done through division. Once your mint is established, you can divide the plants to replant elsewhere.
Corsican Mint Similar Cultivars
As with the Corsican mint, you can find other varieties to grow in containers or outdoors. You can enjoy a strongly aromatic scent
Peppermint
A classic among mint varieties is peppermint which easily grows on balconies in containers. The mint is a cross between the brook and green mint and is valued for its minty aroma and menthol content. It is perennial, hardy, and invasive in your garden.
Spearmint
Spearmint is commonly used in toothpaste, sweets, and chewing gum. It is fast-growing and grows as a ground cover blooming purple-white blooms in summer.
Pennyroyal
This mint does not have narrow stems, can grow tall with purple flowers, and looks similar to peppermint. But compared to other mint varieties, this one is poisonous. It also self-seeds in spring, can tolerate drought to some extent, and prefers growing in partial sunlight.
Corsican Mint Common Diseases and Pests
When it comes to the Corsican mint, it is rarely bothered by insects. The reason is that it naturally repels pests. But you can keep an eye out for spider mites and can spray them down with water.
The only growing concerns are climate and watering. It needs moist soil but should not be soggy as it causes the root to rot. While in colder climates, it can affect the growth of the mint.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the oil repels mosquitos, it cannot repel the insect alone. But it can repel some other bugs when the oval leaves are crushed, as it has a strong aromatic smell.
This ground-hugging plant can aggressively push out other plants like other creeping mint. Give them space to spread, or plant them in a container.
Yes, the mint will grow back after winter as it self-seeds in spring once the snow melts.
You can find mint seeds to seedlings sold at a local garden center or with Plantly online to deliver to your door.
Whether you want to buy, sell, or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!
