Mint Vietnamese

Vietnamese mint or Vietnamese coriander is a creeping, herbaceous perennial that grows from 15-30cm high, but can  grow up to 80cm in ideal conditions. 

The leaves are very aromatic, with an elongated point and are about 8cm long. They have a refreshing green appearance with red stems and a reddish, brown marking on the upper surface. In spring and summer the plant produces small pink flowers on small stalks. 

You can harvest fresh leaves and stems as you need them for cooking or to use as health supplements. The plant recovers well from trimming.

 It prefers dappled shade to protect from the hot sun and moist conditions, but if kept well-watered it can do well in full sun. As with all herbs, a fertile and well drained location will give the best results. You may like to restrain the plant in potted conditions if you don’t have a lot of space. It will do well in most Australian climates, but make sure they have enough water in summer and be prepared for frost tenderness in affected areas.