Mentha x piperita - Hardy, herbaceous perennial. Height 30-60 cms. Full sun to part shade, but grows best with some shade. Medicinal herb. Lavender coloured flowers in summer and autumn, which are good nectar producers for bees and other nectar gathering insects. Grows in most soil types but prefers moist rich soil, in a partly shaded location. Doesn’t like dry conditions. Highly aromatic plant. Good companion plant to roses to deter aphids and to brassica vegetables. Leaves made into a refreshing tea. Regular harvesting or light pruning helps maintain and encourage new bushy growth. A fast growing plant that spreads via rhizomes, which can become invasive. Best grown in a pot.