Asian mint (Persicaria odorata)
Persicaria odorata, or Asian mint, is an aromatic herbaceous perennial valued for its spicy, pungent leaves used in Vietnamese cuisine.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Persicaria odorata, affectionately known as Asian mint or Vietnamese coriander, is an indispensable herb for cooks seeking authentic Southeast Asian flavors. This tender perennial offers distinctive leaves marked by a spicy, pungent taste reminiscent of coriander with a hot peppery kick. Its rapid growth ensures a steady supply of foliage throughout the warm season.
Native to tropical regions, Persicaria odorata thrives where conditions are warm and humid, making its care highly dependent on moisture management outside of its native hardiness range. Gardeners prize it not only for culinary use in salads, soups, and stews but also for its vigorous spreading habit as a groundcover.
As an herbaceous perennial in Zones 9 through 11, it offers textural interest with its lance-shaped leaves displaying chestnut markings and burgundy undersides. For gardeners in cooler climates, managing this plant as a container specimen or a seasonal annual provides access to the unique flavor profile of Asian mint.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Polygonaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Southeastern Asia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Cultivating Persicaria odorata successfully revolves around replicating its native tropical preference for abundant moisture. Plant in spring after the last frost, selecting a location that supplies consistently moist to wet, moderately fertile soil. This herb tolerates full sun, provided soil moisture is ample and air circulation is good, though part shade is often preferred to prevent scorching in intense heat. Plants truly prefer boggy conditions and can even handle some standing water.
Watering requires diligence; the soil should never be allowed to dry out, especially for container-grown specimens of Asian mint. Fertilizing should be light, as overly rich soil can sometimes diminish leaf flavor, though moderate fertility is best for vigorous growth. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth; simply pinch or snip the tips regularly; the first harvest can usually begin about two months after establishment.
In regions outside of USDA Zones 9–11, this plant struggles when temperatures consistently dip below 45°F. Overwintering pots indoors can be challenging due to the high humidity requirements. A simpler alternative for extending the season is to propagate new plants annually: root cuttings in water until roots form, then immediately plant them into wet soil or containers.
Landscape Uses
The primary suggested use for Persicaria odorata is as a flavorful culinary herb, but its moisture-loving nature opens up interesting landscape opportunities. Where winter hardy, it excels in moist borders or used as a vigorous ground cover in open woodland settings, rapidly forming dense colonies via rooting stem tips. It is also perfectly suited for containers, allowing gardeners to easily move pots close to the kitchen door for easy access.
When designing a damp area of the garden, group Asian mint with other moisture-loving perennials like marsh marigolds or moisture-tolerant ferns. Its spreading habit makes it useful for softening hard edges along ponds or water features, creating a cottage garden feel near wet areas. If space is limited, grow it strictly in a bottom-watered container or sunken pot to control its spread while maximizing easy harvest.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Persicaria odorata, commonly known as Vietnamese coriander or Vietnamese mint, is an herbaceous tender perennial of the knotweed family that typically grows to 6-18” tall. It is native to Southeast Asia. Leaves are used extensively in Vietnamese cooking to flavor soups, stews, and salads; these leaves possess a coriander-like smell and a spicy, pungent, hot peppery flavor. Reddish-green stems are clad with broad-ovate to triangular-ovate green leaves (to 2-4” long) which are spotted with chestnut-hued markings, while leaf undersides are tinged with burgundy-red.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Wet Soil
Potential Problems
Generally, Persicaria odorata exhibits excellent resilience and suffers from no serious insect or disease problems when grown under the correct, high-moisture conditions. The main management concern is environmental rather than pest-related. If the plant struggles, it is usually because the soil has dried out too severely or temperatures have dropped below 45°F, causing distress rather than disease. Ensure excellent air circulation, particularly when plants are in partial shade, to prevent potential mildew issues that can arise in excessively stagnant, humid environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Asian mint suitable for?
Persicaria odorata is winter hardy outdoors in the frost-free conditions of USDA Zones 9 through 11.
How large does Asian mint grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically matures to a moderate size, achieving a height between 0.5 and 1.5 feet, with a comparable spread of 0.5 to 1.5 feet.
What sun exposure does Persicaria odorata need?
It prefers full sun to part shade; however, in hotter climates, part shade is generally recommended, provided the plant receives ample soil moisture and good air movement.
When does Asian mint bloom?
The plant blooms infrequently in non-tropical climates, typically flowering from August to September with small white flowers.
Conclusion
Persicaria odorata offers gardeners a unique, pungent culinary herb that thrives in wet environments, linking the garden directly to Southeast Asian cuisine. Whether you integrate this Asian mint into a perpetual bog garden feature or grow it as a reliable container crop, ensure consistent warmth and moisture for the best flavor. Check your local USDA Zone compatibility before establishing this plant permanently outdoors.
Propagation Tips
Propagating Persicaria odorata is one of its easiest and most rewarding aspects, especially for gardeners outside of tropical zones. Since the plant readily roots from stem tips, propagation can be achieved simply by taking healthy cuttings from mature plants. Make cuttings that include at least two nodes, removing the lower leaves if they will be submerged.
Place the cuttings directly into consistently wet soil or a jar of clean water. Roots often form quickly, sometimes within a week or two, allowing for rapid establishment. This ease of vegetative propagation makes replacing annual stock or starting new patches incredibly straightforward, ensuring you always have fresh Vietnamese coriander available.
Companion Planting
Because the cultural requirements of Persicaria odorata mandate constantly wet or boggy soil, it naturally pairs well with other hydrophytic or moisture-loving plants. When developing a dedicated wet garden area, consider companions that enjoy similar saturation levels. Excellent partners include bold structural additions like Iris species, water-loving Cattails (Typha spp.) if you have the space, or groundcovers like Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia).
Grouping Asian mint with plants that appreciate part shade, such as Hostas or certain ferns, can help manage intense afternoon sun, which can stress the herb if soil moisture is inconsistent. The resulting combination provides a lush, diverse tapestry of textures while successfully meeting the high water demands of all involved species.
