Perennials hardy in Zones 1-24, 26-45, mints spread rapidly by underground stems. Spearmint is the preferred mint for cooking; it has shiny bright green leaves and reaches 1½ to 2 feet tall. Peppermint, great for flavoring tea, grows to 2 feet or taller. Unlike most other herbs, mint thrives not only in sun, but also in partial to full shade. Space plants 1 to 2 feet apart. To keep them from taking over the garden, plant them in containers or install barriers around plantings.

 

• Perennial 
• Zones vary by species 
• Sun or partial shade 
• Regular water