Mentha suaveolens variegata

A variety of apple mint, but has green as white variegated leaves which make it a pretty herb to grow in the garden and perfect as a food garnish. A perennial plant, it produces long spikes of pale white or cream flowers.

Pineapple mint grows to a height of 8-12 in and prefers partial shade and a moist, rich soil. As its name suggests, it has a pleasant pineapple flavor and the leaves are ideal to add to fruit cups and punches.

Pineapple mint leaves make a good addition to pot pourris, particularly those with a fruity scent, such as a mix of lemon verbena, apple mint and other herbs with similar scents.

Like all mints, it is an invasive plant which can take over a whole garden if it is not kept strictly under control. It is therefore a good herb for container growing.

Legends: In ancient Greece mint was a symbol of hospitality and tables were traditionally rubbed with it before being set for dinner guests.

"Here did she fall a tear; here, in this place, I´ll set a bank of rue, sour herb of grace."
Richard II - William Shakespeare