Plants of the Mint Family

Sweet Marjoram

• Sweet marjoram, or Origanum majorana, is a fragrant perennial with many branches. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall, and has gray-green oval leaves that are fuzzy. It is aromatic when bruised. Mint plants have tiny flowers in flower heads. Plant a sweet marjoram in well-drained limey soil with full to almost full sun conditions. In summer, give partial shade. Propagate mint by seed or cuttings. Hardiness ranges from USDA zones 9 through 10.

Russian Sage

• Russian sage, or Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a drought-tolerant perennial. It grows 3 to 5 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide. Stems are gray-white and leaves are silver-gray. Tubular flowers are lavender and appear summer and fall. Plant a Russian sage in full sun in any soil. It tolerates drought well. Propagate Russian sage by softwood tip cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings. Hardiness ranges from USDA zones 5 through 9.

Lemon Balm

• Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, is a butterfly-attracting perennial that grows 2 to 3 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide. Leaves are light green, smell like lemons, and are slightly hairy. Flowers are small and pale yellow that age to pale lilac, and appear in the summer. Plant a lemon balm in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade. Propagate by root division or by seed. Hardiness ranges from USDA zones 3 through 9.

Spotted Horsemint

• Spotted horsemint, or Monarda punctata, is a fast-growing drought-tolerant plant that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It grows 3 to 4 feet high. Leaves are lance-like, hairy and toothed. Flowers are pink and lavender. It smells like oregano. Plant a spotted horsemint in full sun or partial shade. Propagate spotted horsemint by root division or by seed. Hardiness ranges from USDA zones 5 through 10.