Botanical profile

Pineapple Mint

Latin name
Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata'
Common name
Pineapple Mint
Type
Perennial
Family
Lamiaceae

Pineapple mint is a perennial aromatic plant much appreciated for its green and cream variegated foliage and its fresh, fruity, and slightly sweet scent reminiscent of pineapple. It adds a beautiful bright touch to herb gardens, edible containers, window boxes, and patio pots. Its decorative foliage allows it to be used as much for its culinary interest as for its ornamental effect in edible landscapes.

Easy to grow, pineapple mint prefers a location in soft sun or partial shade, in fertile, fresh, and well-drained soil. It appreciates regular watering to maintain tender, fragrant foliage that is pleasant to harvest. Like most mints, it can spread extensively in the garden, so it is recommended to grow it in a pot or a delimited space to better control its growth. Frequent pruning promotes a denser plant and continuous production of new aromatic leaves.

Very versatile in the kitchen, pineapple mint is ideal for flavoring infusions, iced teas, lemonades, cocktails, fruit salads, desserts, fresh sauces, and summer dishes. Its leaves can be used fresh to add a fruity and refreshing note to recipes. It is an excellent plant for gardeners looking for an easy, productive, fragrant, and decorative herb, perfect for an edible garden or an outdoor relaxation area.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic variegated foliage with a fruity pineapple scent
Container, vegetable garden, herbs, herbal tea, desserts, cold drinks
Container growing
Pot culture recommended to control its spread
Seasonal care
Prune regularly to maintain a compact habit; grow in containers to control rhizomes; cut back in spring
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 4 and above
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Regular; keep the soil moist without waterlogging
Humidity
Average to high humidity; prefers cool soil
Fertilization
Light compost in spring; moderate fertilization in pots
Soil type
Fertile, fresh, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
-30°C
Propagation method
Division, cuttings or runners
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
Pale mauve to pink
Foliage color
Variegated cream and green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Sprawling, bushy, rhizomatous habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Width
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Lemon balm, chives, parsley, calendulas
Spacing
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Harvest period
Leaves from spring to autumn
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.