Orange Mint: The Citrus-Scented Herb Your Garden Needs

Looking for a mint that's a little more exciting than your standard peppermint? Let me introduce you to orange mint, a delightful herb that's been turning heads in my garden for years. Also known as bergamot mint, this aromatic beauty (Mentha x piperita citrata) brings a surprising citrus twist to the mint family. I like to think of it as mint's more interesting cousin – the one that shows up to family gatherings with unexpected gifts.

The first time I crushed an orange mint leaf between my fingers, I was honestly shocked by that delicious citrus-like scent. It was like someone had magically crossed mint with an orange peel (and somehow it worked!). Whether you're looking to jazz up summer drinks, add interest to fruit salads, or just enjoy those pretty pink flowers in late summer, this versatile aromatic herb deserves a spot in your garden. And trust me, if I can keep it alive through years of gardening experiments gone wrong, you absolutely can too.

Orange Mint Plant Profile

Characteristic	Details
Botanical Name	Mentha × piperita citrata
Common Names	Orange Mint, Bergamot Mint, Eau de Cologne Mint
Plant Type	Perennial herb
Height	18-24 inches (will try to take over the neighborhood if you let it)
Spread	18-24 inches (and then some...)
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade (prefers morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates)
Soil Type	Moist, well-draining soil (not picky, but won't tolerate soggy feet)
Soil pH	Adaptable (6.0-7.5)
Bloom Time	Mid to late summer
Flower Color	Pink to lavender (short spikes of tiny blooms that pollinators adore)
Hardiness Zones	4-11 (overwinters like a champ in most climates)
Native Area	Hybrid cultivar (developed from European mint varieties)
Water Needs	Moderate to high (likes consistent moisture but not swimming)
Maintenance Level	Low (might need more maintenance to stop it from world domination)
Special Features	Delicious citrus-like scent, attractive burgundy stems
Propagation	Division, stem cuttings (almost too easy to propagate)
Culinary Uses	Teas, desserts, fruit salads, cocktails, flavored water
Companion Plants	Tomatoes, cabbage family plants (helps repel pests)
Problems	Can be invasive if not contained (consider growing in pots)

Gardener's Note: While orange mint can be grown from seed, I recommend starting with small plants or cuttings to ensure you get the true citrus scent - seeds don't always produce plants with the same wonderful aroma as the parent.

What is Orange Mint?

Orange mint (Mentha x piperita citrata) is what happens when Mother Nature decides regular mint just isn't interesting enough. This pretty hybrid stands out with its eye-catching burgundy to green stems that grow up to 2 feet tall in happy conditions.

Looks That Stand Out

The leaves are bright green, oval-shaped, and slightly fuzzy when you run your fingers over them – a tactile treat for garden visitors. Unlike the plain green stems of common mint varieties, orange mint's reddish tints add visual interest even before the flowers appear.

That Amazing Scent

What makes orange mint truly special is that amazing scent. Crush a leaf between your fingers and you'll get hit with a lovely citrus aroma that has hints of both orange and bergamot with undertones of lavender. It's like mint went on vacation and came back with a fancy new personality.

Cousin Comparisons

Unlike peppermint (which can knock your socks off with intensity) and spearmint (the mild-mannered family member), orange mint brings a balanced, complex flavor that works beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes.

Flowering Beauty

You knew I was going to cover this mint's flowers! Come late summer, those stems will be topped with short spikes of pink to lavender flowers that bees absolutely go nuts for. I've stood watching my orange mint patch turn into a buzzing metropolis on sunny August afternoons – free pollination services included with every plant!

Perfect Growing Conditions for Orange Mint

Orange mint is one of the most forgiving herbs I've grown in my 30+ years of gardening. After accidentally leaving a pot of it in a shady corner for a month (yep, I totally forgot about it), I was shocked to find it not just alive but thriving!

Light: Morning Sun is Magic

While orange mint can handle full sun, I've found it performs best with morning sunshine and afternoon shade, especially here in Massachusetts during late summer heat waves. In my herb garden, the plants growing along the eastern edge—getting bright morning light but protected from the scorching afternoon rays—develop the most intense citrus scent and bushiest growth.

Soil: The Goldilocks Zone

Orange mint has taught me the art of balanced watering—enough to keep roots happy without creating the swampy conditions that lead to root rot. I mix about 25% compost into my regular garden soil for these plants. My secret trick? A handful of coconut coir mixed into the planting hole helps maintain that perfect moisture balance without creating swamp conditions during our rainy spells.

Water Wisdom

After killing more mint plants than I care to admit by drowning them (who knew that was possible?), I've learned that mint plants like consistent moisture without soggy soil is key. I check by sticking my finger an inch into the soil—if it feels like a wrung-out sponge, it's perfect. If it's bone dry or sopping wet, adjustments are needed.

Climate Considerations

Orange mint is hardy in zones 4-11, which means it can handle some serious winter chill. I've had plants survive -10°F buried under snow in Zone 6b, then bounce back with vigor come spring. That said, in containers, I bring them into my unheated garage when temperatures dip below 15°F to protect the roots.

Containers: Mint's Best Friend

Save yourself years of mint management by starting orange mint in containers! A 12-inch pot with drainage holes works perfectly. Every spring, I slice through my potted mint with an old kitchen knife to divide it, keeping half and giving the rest to unsuspecting neighbors who haven't yet learned about mint's colonizing tendencies. This rejuvenates the plant and keeps it from getting too rootbound.

Tip: Try orange mint plants to make the perfect mint topiaries!

Planting and Propagation: Orange Mint's Super Powers

Spring is my favorite time to plant orange mint, when the soil has warmed but summer's heat isn't yet beating down. I've also successfully started new plants in early fall, giving them just enough time to establish before winter.

Getting Started

Space plants 18-24 inches apart (trust me, they'll fill in quickly). When planting, I set them at the same depth they were in their nursery pot—burying the stems too deeply invites rot.

The Easiest Plant to Multiply

Want to know why I haven't bought orange mint in 15 years? Because propagating it is ridiculously simple. My fool-proof method: snip a 4-inch piece, strip the bottom leaves, stick it in water, and watch roots appear within a week. I've literally rooted cuttings in a glass of water on my kitchen windowsill while cooking dinner!

Division works just as well—simply slice through an established plant with a garden spade and replant the sections. Seeds are rarely necessary and often don't produce plants with that signature orange scent.

The Growth Sprint

In just 1-2 months, a small cutting transforms into a bushy plant ready for its first harvest. I've watched tiny starts from spring planting grow into knee-high beauties by July—mint doesn't fool around!

Keeping It In Check

These days, I plant my orange mint exclusively in pots or create underground boundaries using recycled nursery containers with their bottoms cut out, buried deep in the soil. I also make a habit of inspecting the planting area regularly, scissors in hand, to catch any escapees before they establish satellite colonies throughout the garden.

Care and Maintenance: Keeping Orange Mint Happy

Watering Without Drowning

Orange mint enjoys consistent moisture, but I've found that "consistently damp" doesn't mean "daily soaking." I check my plants by sticking a finger into the soil—if it's dry about an inch down, it's watering time. During summer heat waves, that might mean watering every other day, while spring and fall could stretch to twice weekly. The old "water deeply, less frequently" rule works beautifully here.

Fertilizer? Not So Much

One of the things I love about orange mint is its ability to thrive on neglect. I give my mint plants a light feeding of compost tea in early spring, and that's usually it for the year. When I've made the mistake of fertilizing like I do with hungry plants (looking at you, tomatoes), I ended up with lanky, less flavorful growth. Less really is more when it comes to feeding this herb.

Haircuts for Bushier Plants

Don't be shy with those pruning shears! I give my orange mint regular trims, pinching the growing tips to encourage branching. My most productive plants get a severe pruning (about half their height) after the first flush of growth in late spring. This seemingly brutal approach triggers an explosion of bushy new growth that's perfect for summer harvests.

Pest Problems (or Lack Thereof)

In my experience, orange mint rarely has serious pest issues—the strong scent seems to keep most bugs at bay. I've occasionally spotted spider mites during particularly dry spells, but a strong spray of water usually takes care of them. Rust can appear in humid conditions, so I always water at soil level rather than splashing the leaves.

Seasonal Shifts

In late fall, I cut my outdoor plants back to about 2 inches above the soil and add a light mulch of straw or leaf mold. This winter blanket protects the roots while allowing air circulation. During summer heat waves, a temporary shade cloth during the hottest part of the day helps prevent leaf scorch on my full-sun plants.

Tip: Don't let frost catch your orange mint unprepared! I add a light mulch of straw around the base after the first frost to protect those shallow roots. For potted plants, I move them to an unheated garage where temperatures stay above 20°F. For complete step-by-step winterizing tips for all your mint varieties, check out my guide to winterizing mint plants.

Harvesting Orange Mint: Timing is Everything

I've learned to harvest orange mint in the morning, just after the dew has dried but before the day heats up. This is when the essential oils are most concentrated, giving you the strongest citrus scent and flavor. My best harvests come from plants that aren't yet flowering—once those pink blooms appear in late summer, the leaves begin losing some of their punch.

Snip for Success

Rather than yanking off leaves individually (a rookie mistake I made for years), I cut entire stems about 2 inches above the soil. This encourages the plant to branch out and produce even more stems. A healthy plant can handle having up to a third of its growth harvested at once without missing a beat.

Abundance Issues

One established orange mint plant typically provides enough leaves for several batches of fresh herbal tea, a few desserts, refreshing infused-water and plenty of cocktail garnishes throughout the season. My three plants generate more than enough for my family, with plenty left to dry for winter use.

Preserving the Bounty

For fresh storage, I treat cut stems like flowers—placing them in water on the counter for a few days. For longer keeping, I loosely wrap stems in damp paper towels inside an open plastic bag in the fridge, where they'll last about a week.

To dry orange mint, I hang small bundles upside down in a dark, warm spot. The leaves retain their citrus scent remarkably well when dried this way—much better than oven-drying, which I learned after ruining an entire harvest with too much heat one year.

Uses in the Kitchen and Home: Orange Mint Magic

Kitchen Star

Orange mint shines in the kitchen! I add fresh leaves to fruit salads—particularly with watermelon, peaches, or berries—where that citrus note works wonders. My family's favorite summer dessert is orange mint ice cream, where the herb infuses into the cream overnight before churning. For a simpler treat, try chopping it into chocolate chip cookie dough for an unexpected twist.

Perfect Pairings

This herb plays nicely with chocolate, vanilla, citrus fruits (obviously), and stone fruits like peaches and plums. I've found it also pairs beautifully with lamb dishes, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the meat's richness. Orange mint and cucumber together create a cooling combination that's perfect for hot summer days.

Aromatic Applications

I dry orange mint stems to create fragrant sachets for dresser drawers and linen closets, providing a natural scent that doesn't have the overwhelming synthetic smell of commercial products. At holiday time, I mix dried orange mint leaves with cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices for a homemade potpourri that draws compliments from guests.

Drink Duties

My garden parties always feature orange mint lemonade—the herb adds complexity that regular mint just can't match. For adult gatherings, infuse vodka with orange mint for two days, then strain and use in mojitos or mixed with tonic water. My simplest recommendation? Float a sprig in iced tea for an instant upgrade.

Garnish Goodness

Beyond the obvious cocktail garnish, try tucking small sprigs into chocolate mousses, floating tiny leaves on creamy soups, or using larger leaves as beds for cheese appetizers. I've even pressed leaves between thin cookie dough to create "stained glass" cookies that catch the light beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Give Orange Mint a Try!

Orange mint brings a citrusy twist to any garden, with minimal fuss and maximum reward. Easy to grow, hard to kill, and delightfully versatile—what more could you ask for? Whether in a stunning container or raised garden beds, this aromatic herb deserves a spot in your growing space. My final tip? Harvest stems just before flowering for the strongest orange scent. Trust me, once you've grown it, you'll wonder how your garden (and kitchen) ever managed without it!

Happy gardening friends!