Type of Mint to use as ground cover? - Ask Extension
Hi, I would like to plant mint between my raised bed gardens as a fairly flat-profile ground cover; what type of mint should I use? Does this work wel...
Knowledgebase
Type of Mint to use as ground cover? #869362
Asked May 20, 2024, 7:57 PM EDT
Hi, I would like to plant mint between my raised bed gardens as a fairly flat-profile ground cover; what type of mint should I use? Does this work well? I live in Keizer OR, right near Salem.
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
What is the scientific name of the/a mint-plant species that lies fairly flat on the ground, and recovers well when briefly stepped on?
Dear Kalyani,
Thank you for contacting us regarding low ground covers. The only mint that I have found referenced as a ground cover plant is Corsican mint (Menta requienii). Other mints either grow too tall or are too difficult to control. Unfortunately, Corsican mint is not tolerant of drought or dry conditions. Here is more information:
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281454#:~:text=Mentha%20requienii%2C%20commonly%20called%20Corsican,dense%20flat%20diminutive%20ground%20cover.
Two groundcovers that may work in your situation are creeping thyme (Thymus pulegioides ‘Archer’s Gold’) and dwarf creeping wire vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris ‘Nana’). These can be reasonably expected to withstand dry conditions once established.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again any time you have gardening questions.
Thank you for contacting us regarding low ground covers. The only mint that I have found referenced as a ground cover plant is Corsican mint (Menta requienii). Other mints either grow too tall or are too difficult to control. Unfortunately, Corsican mint is not tolerant of drought or dry conditions. Here is more information:
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281454#:~:text=Mentha%20requienii%2C%20commonly%20called%20Corsican,dense%20flat%20diminutive%20ground%20cover.
Two groundcovers that may work in your situation are creeping thyme (Thymus pulegioides ‘Archer’s Gold’) and dwarf creeping wire vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris ‘Nana’). These can be reasonably expected to withstand dry conditions once established.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again any time you have gardening questions.
