Mulberry Creek Herb Farm: Catalog/Hardy Perennial

Hardy Perennial

Lemon Balm, Golden

Melissa officinalis `Aurea'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to Shade
Height: 1-2 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Borders, Culinary, Fragrant, Medicinal, Tea

Golden is a compact, gilded leaf version of the species. Matures to green but is very ornamental, nonetheless and it'll come up golden again the following spring. Makes a great lemonade! Not as aggressively self-sowing as regular ""Lemon Balm"".

Lemon Balm, Improved

Melissa officinalis 'Quedlinburger'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 2-3 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bath, Borders, Culinary, Fragrant, Medicinal, Ornamental, Potpourri, Shade, Tea

Higher oil content and hardier than species, so use it abundantly, fresh or frozen, in summer sun teas, soups and fish. As flowers appear in summer, cut back 1/2 and use, to avoid self sowing seed. This is an herb that encourages you to use it!

Lemon Balm, Improved

Melissa officinalis 'Quedlinburger Niederliegende'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: P. Shade – P. Sun
Height: 14h x 24w inches
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary, Tea, Medicinal, Cosmetic

Lemon Balms are often creeping the first year then upright in growth habit, the second as in the case of this improved variety. The “upgrade” is in heavier yields and intense lemon aroma. Tea anyone?

Lemon Balm, Lemona

Melissa officinalis 'Lemona'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: P. Shade – P. Sun
Height: 14h x 24w inches
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary, Tea, Medicinal, Cosmetic

We shall test this variety, flown in from Germany, to see if it has a deeper lemon flavor than our standard variety. I'll have to test it in fruit salad, lemon curd, and lemonade. As they say, “It's a tough job...”

Lemon Balm, Lime

Melissa officinalis ‘Lime’

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 1-2 ft.
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bath, Borders, Culinary, Fragrant, Medicinal, Ornamental, Potpourri, Tea

Offered with honesty, this variety is mildly ""lime scented."" We offer in hopes that some breeder can multiply this subtle flavor and introduce a powerful lime flavored variety.

Lemon Balm, Lime

Melissa officinalis ssp. Altissima

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: P. Shade -P. Sun
Height: 2h x 2w feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary, Tea, Medicinal, Cosmetic

Lemon and lime balms have tiny, whitish flowers which go unnoticed thanks to the euphoric citrus fumes that rise up with just a brush of your hand or the lawn mower. Whatever recipe you'd add the lime fruit to, substitute it for this foliage or better yet, add it. The fruit and this foliage add a depth that is synergistic.

Lemon Balm, Seed-free

Melissa officinalis `Sterile'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-P.Sun to P.Shade-Shade
Height: Normal
Water: Organic-Loamy
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bath, Borders, Culinary, Fragrant, Medicinal, Potpourri, Tea

Check off another plant from Mark's wish list. When he saw it featured in Herb Companion magazine, awhile ago, he went on the hunt. Not only will this not make seeds that spread flamboyantly, but it is also a compact, mounding variety. Victory, at last!

Lemon Balm, Variegated

Melissa officinalis `Variegata'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to Shade
Height: 1-2 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bath, Culinary, Fragrant, Medicinal, Potpourri

A shorter version of the species with splashes of bright yellow, mixed randomly, on spring leaves which matures to green as summer heats up. The following spring, it will emerge with splashes again.

Lovage

Levisticum officinale

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: Sun-P.Shade to P. Shade
Height: 6 Feet
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Flowers: Middle Summer
Common Uses:Borders, Culinary, Ornamental, Shade

Very large, hardy, strongly flavored celery substitute which is best grown in the back of a shady border. Use fresh cut stalks as a straw in ""Bloody Marys"". Seeds, leaves or roots are used, fresh or dried, in soups, stir-fries and tuna fish. Tall yellow flower stalks make dramatic feature display. To stop scald, mulch or provide extra summer water.

MINT

I'd like to dispel a couple of "myths about mints" (say that 5 times). Mints have been know to take over small towns. In a few situations, like a shady area you can't mow, it's O.K. However, sinking a soil filled, 5 gallon bucket, with holes in the bottom for drainage, into the ground and then planting mint in a bucket, will contain them beautifully. Allow 3" of bucket above ground, to stop mint runners. You CAN plant a variety of mints in 1 bed granted you keep flowers clipped. You will disappoint the bees, but next year's seedling won't have a muddled mint flavor. Mints enjoy part to full shade, moist & peaty soil and all are hardy here. As exposure to sun and water increases, so does the spread and height of mints. These scented standbys are suited under apple trees, in patio container or unmowable slopes.

Mint, Apple

Mentha suaveolens

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to Shade
Height: 2 Feet
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bees, Culinary, Edible Flowers, Fragrant, Medicinal, Potpourri, Tea

Fluffy, upright posture with almost dusty green foliage clumsily describes this mildly apple scented mint. I most often use the soft, prickly leaves in my herb infused water, lemonade or tea (hot or cold).

Mint, Banana

Mentha arvenis 'Banana'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: Sun-P.Sun to Shade
Height: 2 feet
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary, Fragrant, Water

Is it a stretch of your imagination? Oh ya, but there's a subtle banana flavor that's lovely all the same. Its soft, pale green leaf is great in fruit salads, yogurt, no bake cream pies and pineapple punch. Surprise your herbal friends with this new addition. Requires less sun but more water. ALMOST a pond plant.

Mint, Chocolate

Mentha piperata 'Chocolate'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to P.Shade-Shade
Height: 2 Feet
Water: Normal Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary, Fragrant, Medicinal, Potpourri, Tea

When I eat a mint chocolate leaf, I get the sensation of a ""Peppermint Patty"" flavor. Imagine this dark leaved variety in brownies, ""Mud Cakes"", or, (Mark's favorite) morning coffee for a minty, chocolate flavor without the typical artificial after-taste. Squeeze and swirl it in hot coffee. Couldn't be easier.

Mint, Corsican

Mentha requienii

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to P. Shade
Height: 1 inch
Water: Wet
Soil: Organic
Common Uses:Culinary, Fragrant, Garden Railroads, Groundcover

The tiny as ""Baby Tears"", bright green leaves on this low groundcover smell exactly like “Creme de Menthe” liqueur. Be sure to plant between stepping stones in moist and, shaded areas only! It will die back during summer drought, therefore additional water is necessary. Not the most reliable perennial in Zone 5-6, so cover with evergreen boughs in winter.

Mint, Curly Spearmint

Mentha spicata `Crispa'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to Shade
Height: 2-3 Feet
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary, Edible Flowers, Fragrant, Medicinal, Ornamental, Potpourri, Tea

A novelty spearmint variety with ruffled curly edges and a fresh, mild flavor for peas. This is the prettiest green leaf mint, in my opinion. Do NOT cram it in a corner as it's slightly susceptible to rust disease. With air movement, it's no problem.

Mint, English Pennyroyal

Mentha pulegium

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to Shade
Height: 2-4in.
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bedding Plant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Medicinal, Repellant, Shade

This low groundcover Pennyroyal variety repels fleas and is wonderfully fragrant. Rub fresh leaves on pant legs before entering woods, to repel ticks and mosquitoes. Plant next to kennels or by paths where cats prowl. It seems to be hardier mixed in lawns. 4"" tall blue flower spikes bloom in summer. Avoid ingestion if pregnant! Don't use the essential oil of Pennyroyal on pets. Only use leaves.

Mint, Ginger

Mentha X gentilis

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to Shade
Height: 5 Feet
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary, Edible Flowers, Fragrant, Ornamental, Potpourri, Tea

Yellow and green striped leaves look their best in spring but hold variegation throughout summer. Prune back annually to rejuvenate appearance. Fine fruity, spicy flavor that combines well with any fruit, salmon, and Thai cooking. It is almost too pretty to eat!

Mint, Habek

Mentha longifolia

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: Full Sun to Sun-P.Sun
Height: 2-3 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Any Soil
Flowers: Middle Summer
Common Uses:Culinary, Fragrant, Groundcover, Medicinal, Ornamental, Shade

This is one of the true Middle East varieties used for the authentic ""Tabbouli"" of bulgar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, plenty of parsley & mint, cool vegetables and maybe sunflower seeds. Two inch, very narrow, bluish-green leaves have a completely different look from other mints.

Mint, Kentucky Colonel Spearmint

Mentha spicata`Kentucky Colonel'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to Shade
Height: 2-3 Feet
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bees, Culinary, Edible Flowers, Fragrant, Medicinal, Potpourri, Shade, Tea

This is our favorite spearmint, flavor-wise. It has a truly sweet flavor added to cookies, tea, jellies, beef, lamb, peas or corn. We use it frequently during the flu season. Makes a cool rejuvenating bath too. Known possibly in the trade as ""The Best

Mint, Orange

Mentha aquatica `Citrata'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to Shade
Height: 2 Feet
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bath, Bees, Borders, Culinary, Edible Flowers, Fragrant, Ornamental, Potpourri, Repellant, Shade, Tea

Bronzy green, round leaves make the best flavored drinking water. (just harvest, wash, squeeze, pop into a pitcher of water, refrigerate for 4-6 hours and enjoy). Refreshing citrus flavor for fruit salads, beef, and cookies. Marinate leaves or blue flowers in vinegar to eat or bathe in! Good flea and ant repellent.

Mint, Peppermint

Mentha piperata

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to Shade
Height: 2-3 Feet
Water: Normal Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary, Edible Flowers, Fragrant, Medicinal, Potpourri, Shade, Tea

Peppermint's versatility and ease in growing make it the perfect beginner's herb. Smooth edged, shiny, dark green leaves are indispensable for teas, candies, and flavored sugar. Use dried in teas for stuffy noses, indigestion and mild headaches.

Mint, Pineapple

Mentha suaveolens `Variegata'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to Shade
Height: 2 Feet
Water: Normal Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Baskets, Container, Culinary, Edible Flowers, Fragrant, Ornamental, Potpourri, Shade, Tea

White & green variegated leaves hold their color even in the summer heat. Try it in baskets with ""Opal Basil"" & ""Attar of Roses"" geranium. A colorful, fruity addition to cool sorbets, coleslaw, jell-o, pizza, iced tea, and tuna sandwiches.

Mint, Strawberry

Mentha spicata`Strawberry'

Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a
Light: Sun - P. Sun
Height: 2 x 2 feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary

Close your eyes, breathe in the delicate strawberry fragrance and use it as you would spearmint, the dominant flavor. Naturally leans toward fruity salads, drinks and iced tea.

Mint, Super Silver

Mentha longifolia

Cold Tolerance: Zone 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b
Light: P.Shade-Shade to Shade
Height: 2-3 Feet
Water: Wet-Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bees, , Culinary