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Description
The dwarf peppermint tree grows into a dense mounding shrub to 10 ft. in size. Springtime growth of its narrow leaves has a pleasing reddish tinge; these leaves hang gracefully from drooping branches and are fragrant when crushed.Dwarf peppermint tree is an attractive foliage plant for Inland Empire gardens. It is still relatively unknown to most gardeners, but this should change in time. It is well suited for foundation plantings, on slopes and banks, and hedges and screens. It can adapt to low amounts of summer water once established, but readily accepts and grows larger with moderate levels.
Water Needs
The dwarf peppermint trees is well adapted to frost-free parts of the Inland Empire where it can be sustained with normal winter rainfall and low amounts of summer water. Periodic deep water in summer is recommended in summer; this will sustain good foliage character. The chart below provides a baseline irrigation schedule for this species. It should be noted there are several winter months marked by an asterisk (*) when rains can provide sufficient moisture and irrigation is not needed. The high and low range of moisture indicates it can grow with varying amounts of water depending upon exposure conditions and size.Irrigation Schedule and Graph
Moderate Water Use Plants
Irrigation Schedule 3
| Jan* | Feb* | Mar* | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov* | Dec* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runs per Month | 0x to 3x | 0x to 3x | 0x to 3x | 2x to 3x | 1x to 2x | 1x to 2x | 1x to 2x | 1x to 2x | 1x to 2x | 2x to 3x | 0x to 3x | 0x to 3x |
| Inches per Run | 1" | 1" | 1" | 1" | 1" | 1" | 1" | 1" | 1" | 1" | 1" | 1" |
| Inches per Month | 0" to 3" | 0" to 3" | 0" to 3" | 2" to 3" | 1" to 2" | 1" to 2" | 1" to 2" | 1" to 2" | 1" to 2" | 2" to 3" | 0" to 3" | 0" to 3" |
Range of supplemental summer water: 9"-16"
Range of supplemental winter water: 0"-15"
0"-3" |
0"-3" |
0"-3" |
2"-3" |
1"-2" |
1"-2" |
1"-2" |
1"-2" |
1"-2" |
2"-3" |
0"-3" |
0"-3" |
|
| Jan* | Feb* | Mar* | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov* | Dec* |
Plant Properties
Plant Type: ShrubFoliage Character: Evergreen
Habit: Mounding, Dense, Compact
Growth Rate: Moderate
Height: 10 ft.
Width: 10 ft.
Water Needs: Moderate 3
Foliage Color: Medium green
Flower Color: White
Flower Season: Spring
Soil Adaptations: Well-draining soil, Silt, Sand, Calcareous soil
Exposure Adaptations: Heat, All day sun
Function: Screening, Residential spaces, Foundations, Foliage accent plant, Commercial spaces, Background plant, Fragrant foliage, Hedge
Maintenance
Low maintenance, but can be pruned to shape as desired, best in late winter (D).References
Contemporary Mediterranean Garden
Hedges and Screens