Orange Mint

Description

Enliven your garden and kitchen with the zesty-sweet aroma of Orange Mint, a citrus-kissed cultivar from the Mentha × piperita f. citrata group. This distinctive herb delights with bright, rounded green leaves and a fragrance reminiscent of fresh orange zest, making it one of the most sought-after mints for both culinary and ornamental use.

Despite the name, Orange Mint does not bear fruit—but its natural essential oils, rich in linalool and limonene, give it a tangy sweetness that’s as uplifting as a summer breeze. Use it to add a refreshing twist to teas, ice creams, fruit salads, cocktails, and infused syrups, or simply brush past it in the garden to release its sunny scent.

This variety is also sometimes called Bergamot Mint or Eau de Cologne Mint, though technically those names may refer to close relatives within the same citrata group. The confusion doesn’t stop there—Tangerine Mint and Mandarin Mint are often sold under the same label, adding to the plant’s air of intrigue. Whatever the name, its charm remains constant.

A gentle but steady grower, Orange Mint performs well in containers to keep its spread in check and thrives in full sun to part shade. Visually appealing with its softly serrated leaves and pale purple flower spikes in late summer, it’s a true multisensory delight.

Add Orange Mint to your herb collection for a burst of citrusy fragrance, a touch of culinary creativity, and a pinch of botanical mystery.