Hi, in the March issue of Better Homes and Gardens there is a mint featured in an article and listed as Purple flowered Persian mint. I did a search to no avail, any one know this plant? thank you, Mary
purple flowered Persian mint??
I used to have a type of Persian catmint awhile back, though I'm not sure if this is the same type as what you saw. It did have purple flowers. It was small compared with, say, catnip or catmint. The leaves were small and delicate and the plant didn't feel like it was taking over the world. It grew in kind of rounded clumps and was gorgeous. I wish I had a picture of it, but it was several years ago :( I couldn't get my little clump to survive (it was planted in a crummy spot, we were very limited in places where we could plant anything... *sigh*) and I've been trying for years to find it again. I think if it'd had more chances to grow it would have started to creep some, though that is only in theory based on what I remember of its structure. Does this plant sound like what you saw in the H&G article?
This message was edited Feb 14, 2006 12:35 PM
Hi, I am not sure, but the homeowner featured in the article says it is great used in drink preperations and lamb dishes. The plants in the photo dont really look low growing. The bloom looks kind of spikey, sort of like a small dark purple butterfly bush and the same color. It is on page 108 March issue if you or anyone else wants to kill time in the grocery checkout aisle . :) Thanks for responding, Mary
I've never grown it, but I noticed that Papa Geno's has it on their web site. they say:
The light, minty fragrance of Persian mint is a delightful alternative to some of the stronger scented mints. It has dark stems and green leaves that lend themselves to a variety of uses. Plant in a sunny spot with rich, well drained soil.
http://www.papagenos.com/
They don't say anything about purple flowers, though. Most mints have flower spikes ranging from violet to blue to purple. It sounds lovely...
Thanks Portiaw,, I may purchase a plant or two from them,, too bad they dont describe the bloom,, it is really pretty in the mag. Mary