Mentha rotundifolia, M. suaveolens

It has less invasive growing habits than other varieties of mint and will not take over the whole garden. It has a pleasant, fruity taste and is sweeter than other mints. Also known as round-leaved mint, it has wrinkled, round leaves which have an apple scent and can grow to a height of 2 ft. It grows best in rich, moist soil and partial shade and produces lilac and cream flowers in late summer. Native to southern and western Europe, it is quite a hardy plant and is resistant to disease.

Uses: It is used mainly for culinary purposes and its milder taste makes it ideal for use in fruit salads and fruit cups and punches. Dried apple mint leaves retain their scent and make excellent pot pourri.

Legends: In ancient Greece it was the custom to perfume every part of the body with a different scent; mint was used on the arms.

Medicinal: Mint leaves are said to relive the pain caused by bee and wasp stings.