Mentha x piperita f. citrata ‘Tangerine’

Tangerine Mint Lamiaceae

A mint that clearly thought ordinary mint was altogether too predictable. ‘Tangerine’ is a wonderfully aromatic member of the citrata group, producing glossy green leaves with a distinctive sweet citrus fragrance reminiscent of tangerine peel, together with a softer floral note. The scent is particularly noticeable when the foliage is brushed or crushed. 

The citrata group belongs to the complex hybrid Mentha × piperita, itself derived from watermint and spearmint. 

‘Tangerine’ appears to be a modern horticultural selection, but its precise breeder or original introduction date is not well documented. It is nevertheless firmly established in specialist mint collections and the British nursery trade as Mentha × piperita f. citrata ‘Tangerine’. 

And it is certainly not merely a mint for smelling. The fresh leaves are edible, making an excellent addition to fruit salads, desserts, summer drinks, syrups and herb teas. Its citrus character is especially good with fruit and makes a refreshing alternative to conventional spearmint. The wider citrata group is also traditionally used for teas and as a culinary flavouring. 

Grow in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Like most mints, it spreads vigorously by rhizomes, so containment is advisable—unless your idea of paradise is an increasingly large tangerine-scented lawn.

Height: 40–70cm
Spread: 60–100cm
Flowering: July–September
Hardiness: H7, below -20°C
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
Uses: Tea, desserts, fruit salads, drinks and culinary flavouring
Scent: Strongly aromatic; sweet tangerine and floral-citrus fragrance