Mint plants are a staple in many gardens thanks to their fragrant foliage and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions But did you know there are some varieties that stand out for their vibrant red stems? These eye-catching mints add visual interest and a pop of color to any outdoor space.
What Causes the Red Coloring?
The red stems seen on certain mint varieties are the result of high concentrations of anthocyanins These are pigments produced by the plants that also provide the red, blue, and purple hues seen in flowers and other plant parts Environmental factors like sunlight exposure, temperature, and soil nutrition impact how much of these pigments accumulate in plant tissues. The red stems are essentially the plant’s way of protecting itself from high light levels.
Popular Red Stem Varieties
Some of the most popular red stem mints include:
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Mentha X gracilis ‘Ginger’ – Also known as Austrian Mint, Red Mint, Scotch spearmint, Red Stemmed mint, and Vietnamese mint. Upright red stems reach 15-24 inches tall. Some varieties can have yellow-variegated leaves. Odor is a mix of apple, ginger, and mint.
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Mentha X smithiana – Commonly called Red Mint or Egyptian Mint. Features bright red square stems with toothed, wrinkled green leaves. Grows 12-18 inches tall. Has a cooling, peppermint-spearmint flavor.
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Mentha spicata ‘Red’ – A red-stemmed version of classic spearmint. Forms a bushy clump 18 inches tall and wide. Leaves are bright green and lightly toothed. Provides a strong, pure spearmint aroma.
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Mentha X villosa alopecuroides – Also called Bowles Mint, Apple Mint, and Woolly Mint. Known for fuzzy, wrinkled green leaves and showy red stems up to 15 inches tall. Provides an apple/pine scent.
Growing Red Stem Mint
Here are some tips for successfully growing mint with red stems:
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Site – Plant in full sun to part shade. The more sun exposure, the richer the stem color.
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Soil – Mint prefers rich, moist soil. Amend with compost as needed to improve drainage.
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Water – Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Red stems indicate good hydration.
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Contain – Grow in containers or garden beds edged with a physical barrier to prevent spreading.
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Fertilize – Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea every 3-4 weeks during spring and summer.
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Prune – Cut back flower spikes and trim plants by one third throughout the growing season to encourage new growth.
Using Red Stem Mint
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Add young leaves to fruit salads, salsas, lemonade, and desserts. The red stems make a beautiful garnish.
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Make mint tea from fresh leaves or dry leaves to store for later use.
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Toss stems and leaves into baths or DIY beauty products to provide aroma and skin-soothing properties.
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Use cut sprigs in floral arrangements and potpourri mixes.
Troubleshooting Issues
Leggy growth – Results from too much shade or overcrowding. Improve light exposure and divide overgrown clumps.
Loss of red color – Can indicate nutrient deficiency or insufficient sunlight. Apply fertilizer and move plant to a sunnier area.
Wilting – Sign of underwatering. Increase water frequency.
Leaf spots/discoloration – Caused by diseases like mint rust. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting foliage.
Poor spread – Mint spreads via underground runners (stolons). Make sure it’s planted in loose, fertile soil.
The Unique Appeal of Red Stem Mint
If you’re looking to add striking colors and forms to your garden beds and borders, mint varieties with red stems are an excellent choice. Their vibrant stems contrast beautifully with the green foliage while providing the same appealing minty aroma and flavor. With proper care, these hardy perennial mints will return reliably for many years of decorative and culinary enjoyment.
How to Grow TONS of Mint (And Not Let it Take Over)
FAQ
Which mint has red stems?
Why is my mint plant turning red?
What mint plant has purple stems?
What do you use chocolate mint herb for?
What does Red Stem Apple Mint taste like?
Red Stem Apple Mint has the aroma and taste of both Spearmint and Peppermint. It is great for use in fruit salads, teas, and fruit pies. The red stems and pointy green leaves make a great garnish. If you are making sun tea, then put some of the Red Stem Apple Mint leaves in the container and enjoy.
What does a mint plant look like?
The mint plant has slender and wiry stems with many branches. The broad leaves have short stalks and small white flowers. The leaves from the herb are ideal for adding flavors to the food and inducing sweating or perspiration in the medicinal industry. Princess Mint It is a small mint plant native to the Japanese Islands of Honshu and Hokkaido.
What are the best types of mints to grow in the garden?
Here are some of the best types of mints to grow in the garden. Peppermint has pink flowers and rounded (occasionally, more lance-shaped) leaves. The foliage is toothed along the margins and dark green. A common use for this herb is to flavor teas, but, as with most types of mint, it is also effective in potpourri.
What does a mint plant smell like?
The mint type has a scent that resembles the grapefruit with mint mixture. The green leaves have fruity flavors and can be mixed with desserts, seafood, and lamb. This upright herb can grow up to 2ft tall and produces lavender flowers. You can add the herb to salads, chicken, fish, and beef dishes due to the citrus flavors.
What is a mint plant?
Mint plants are among the most commonly grown plants in North American gardens. True mints come from the Metha genus and belong to a broader family of plants, Lamiaceae, that is called the “mint family.” While they bloom in summer, mint plants are primarily used as flavorful herbs that can be used in the kitchen and as ground covers in the yard.
Is Red Stem Apple Mint non-invasive?
Red Stem Apple Mint requires a well drained soil and half-day sun. It is very invasive and will send out underground runners throughout your garden. Plant it in an isolated space or in a container. During the hot summer months, this mint will produce purple flowers that will attract butterflies and bees to your garden.