Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
Flowering period: May to July
Hardiness: tender (will need winter protection)
This colourful evergreen is a gorgeous addition to a sheltered garden, sunny patio or conservatory. Its aromatic leaves are subltly variegated, and each time they are brushed past, they will release a fresh, minty scent. Then, in late spring and early summer, an abundance of small pinkish purple flowers appear, really putting on a dazzling display.
Garden care: After flowering lightly trim or prune any shoot that spoils the symmetry of the plant, then apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3inch) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant. Keep dryer and provide pretection in winter. In colder regions, grow it in a pot so it can easily be moved to a sheltered spot before the temperatures drop.
