Mint - Vietnamese

Common Name:
Vietnamese Mint

Description:
Vietnamese Mint is a fast-growing, herbaceous perennial prized for its highly aromatic foliage and essential role in Southeast Asian cuisine. Its narrow, bright green leaves are often marked with a distinctive dark maroon stripe, releasing a fresh, spicy fragrance with hints of coriander and mint when crushed. This plant thrives in warm, humid conditions and performs exceptionally well in Melbourne when protected from frost and kept consistently moist. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering, particularly through the warmer months. Vietnamese Mint grows vigorously during spring and summer, often spreading quickly to form a dense, lush ground cover. While it may produce small, inconspicuous pale pink to white flowers in warmer conditions, it is primarily grown for its foliage. Ideal for kitchen gardens, pots, or contained beds, it is best managed with regular trimming to encourage fresh growth and prevent it from becoming invasive.

Form:
Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
Ground Cover

Mature Size:
Height: 0.3–0.6 m
Width: 0.5–1 m (can spread further if unrestricted)

Aspect:
Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
Pale pink
White

Key Attributes:
Bee Attracting
Edible Leaves
Fast Growing
Herbaceous
Perennial
Suitable for Pots
Spreading habit – can become invasive if not contained

Toxicity:
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets when consumed in typical culinary amounts.

Companion Plants:
Thai Basil
Coriander
Chilli
Lemongrass
Spring Onions