Promising Plants Profiles

Mentha xgracilis'Madalene Hill'

Common Name: Red Stemmed Applemint, Doublemint
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Mentha
Specific Epithet: xgracilis
Cultivar Name: 'Madalene Hill'

Life cycle: perennial
Zone: 5-9
Flower color: lilac/lavender
Bloom time: summer
Growth: 15-24"
Habit/Form: upright, spreading
Light requirements: sun to part shade
Soil requirements: rich, moist, well-drained
Propagation: cuttings, division
Uses: culinary, medicinal

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Description: A hybrid cross between Mentha arvensis and Mentha spicata. This mint contains ingredients of both peppermint and spearmint. The upright stems have a touch of red and will grow 12-30 inches high. In the summer, lilac flowers appear in whorls on long, thin spikes.

Cultivation: Mints can be invasive and may be best controlled by planting in a container. Keep mints moist and do not let the soil dry out. Do not be afraid to prune back heavily. Flowers and seed heads need to be removed in order to prevent cross-breeding.

"Mentha xgracilis 'Madalene Hill' is a most versatile mint for the kitchen. Madalene Hill acquired it in the 1950s and it has served as the only mint in her kitchen on a regular basis. This delightful mint is sometimes referred to as 'Double Mint.' According to Dr. Arthur Tucker, it has the chemistry of both spearmint (Mentha spicata) and peppermint (M. xpiperita), thus making it exceptionally flavorful. It was first sold as 'Red- Stemmed Applemint.'" -Gloria McClure, Promising Plants Presentation, 2008

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