Mentha longifolia Lahaj

Lahaj Buddleia Mint Lamiaceae

A mint that looks as though it has been dusted with silver—and smells considerably better than most things that have. ‘Lahaj’ is an exceptionally attractive form of Mentha longifolia, distinguished by its remarkably silvery, almost white foliage. The narrow, softly hairy leaves clothe upright stems, forming a handsome, aromatic clump that catches the light beautifully.

Our plant was collected at Lahaj in Azerbaijan during a Barney/Macer expedition, and has proved particularly distinctive in cultivation. In midsummer, the stems are topped with dense spikes of small purple flowers, producing a wonderful contrast with the silver foliage. The flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinating insects.

Mentha longifolia is widespread across Europe, North Africa and much of temperate Asia, typically occurring in moist grassland, stream margins, riverbanks and other open habitats. It is consequently a very adaptable garden plant, although this silvery form is particularly effective in a sunny, well-drained position where the foliage can develop its best colour.

As with other forms of M. longifolia, the aromatic foliage has a long history of culinary and medicinal use, being employed as a flavouring herb and traditionally as a tea and digestive. ‘Lahaj’, however, is perhaps best grown for its combination of useful mintiness and exceptionally handsome foliage.

Give it full sun or light shade and fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Like most mints, it spreads enthusiastically by underground stems, so a little space—or a large pot—is advisable.

Height: 60–80cm
Spread: 60–100cm
Flowering: July–August
Hardiness: H7, below -20°C
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
Collection: Lahaj, Azerbaijan — Barney/Macer expedition