Promising Plants Profiles

Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel'

Common Name: Kentucky Colonel Spearmint, spearmint
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Mentha
Specific Epithet: spicata
Cultivar Name: 'Kentucky Colonel'

Life cycle: perennial
Zone: 5-9
Flower color: lilac/lavender, pink,white to off-white
Bloom time: summer to early fall
Growth: 24-36"
Habit/Form: upright, spreading, ground cover
Light requirements: full sun to partial shade
Soil requirements: rich, moist, well-drained soil, does not grow well in dry soil.
Propagation: softwood cuttings, division
Uses: culinary, medicinal, economical
Other details: Official herb in the Kentucky Derby's mint julep drink, which is where it's name originated. Plant may be a noxious weed or invasive.

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Description: Large, dark green, crinkled leaves have serrated edges. Terminal spikes of lilac, pinkish, white flowers in the summer. Leaves have a characteristic spearmint flavor and taste.

Cultivation: Easily grown in most soils. Do not overwater. Best grown in containers as it may be invasive. Prune to remove flower heads and encourage new vegetative growth. Mint can be invasive. Sink barriers at least a foot into the soil to discourage spreading of rhizomes or grow in containers.

"An alternate choice if you can't obtain 'Madalene's Double Mint' is 'Kentucky Colonel' spearmint, Mentha spicata 'Kentucky Colonel.' The Spaniards thought so highly of this mint that they carried it all over the world with them in their explorations and trading. That explains why it is found around the world. The mint is so sweet it is almost like eating candy. This plant was selected and given its cultivar name by HSA's very own Mary Peddie." - Gloria McClure, Promising Plants Presentation, 2008

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