Corsican Mint as moss replacement

[Greth]

I have Corsican Mint (Mentha requenii) growing in one of my pots. It seems to have more similar requirements to trees than moss. It has tiny leaves, and looks very similar to Helxine (Baby's Tears), but a really strong pennyroyal type mint scent. Very shallow roots, and doesn't form mounds or its own shape, just follows the gravel and looks nice.

[Pup]

Not a good idea any thing with roots, that compeat with the tree for nutients is not good for the tree.

It is good where it is needed to keep the muck in place for slab plantings, but I would try moss first.

JMHO Pup

[bodhidharma]

Yes, as Pup said, not a good idea. I had it introduced into my place with some trees that i bought and now cannot get rid of it. Even a bare rooting and jet spraying of a trees roots did not get rid of it. It even goes from tree to tree if they are close enough. Dont do it.

[Greth]

Bodhi, I have lost count of the number of times I have lost this plant when trying to keep it, lol. I knew it was a bit brave to suggest, but my bonsai won't be going anywhere near a show, I don't need to extract every last bit of growing energy from them. The tree it is with is still in an overlarge pot so that it can grow, once it goes into something smaller I will have to be more careful about competition. I just like it as a 'miniature' looking plant, and the scent adds a whole new dimension. Possibly a good one for a landscape or group planting situation.

[Greth]

Well, olive #1 finally went into a smaller pot, so removed the mint back to the stock trough, and some potted up for sale. On the plus side I have never had such great growth of it, must get some more bonsai mix, it obviously prefers that to standard potting mix, hehe.

[Rintar]

Hay guys real old post i know i was thinking about actually planting this at the base of my well established full sized citrus trees if i do should i not let any bonsai or other potted plants near the area is it that full on??

[Pup]

Hay guys real old post i know i was thinking about actually planting this at the base of my well established full sized citrus trees if i do should i not let any bonsai or other potted plants near the area is it that full on??

YES, it will invade just about any thing that has soil near it. Smells nice though.

Pup

[fireworks]

Greth, unfortunately I put some of this Corsican Mint at the base of my citrus tree because I thought it looked nice. What a mistake! It just took over and now I can't get rid of it without killing the citrus. Take care!

[witchstreet]

I agree with "fireworks". Once this Mint is planted it is oh soooo difficult to eradicate.

[Rintar]

k so thats a no then thanks guys

[Andrew F]

Does it really have the ability to choke out other plants??? What about ficus?

[Joel]

Depends on the plant. It would not kill a mature Ficus - what would? Citrus, on the other hand, are readily out competed by many things. Even turf can kill a citrus.

If you want to use it, try it in a sakei situation with trees you won't cry over too much if they happen to die. Your other options are to use it as an accent or not at all. Your choice.

Joel

[Andrew F]

Thanks Joel.