Corsican mint, also known as Mentha requienii in the plant world, is a low growing herb that makes for an attractive lawn and ground cover. Native to Corsica, Sardinia, and Montecristo Island, this herby shrub makes for a perfect practical grass alternative that will give your backyard a luscious green look and also actively help the surrounding wildlife.
With corsican mint there is a specific variety that is low-growing and importantly non-invasive — unlike other mint plants — corsican mint is an excellent lawn-alternative plant that not only looks great but smells great too!
To start your journey on finding sustainable grass alternatives, we’ve spoken to a lawn expert to reveal all their dos and don’ts. Here's what they had to say.
How to grow a Corsican mint lawn
Native plant lawns are becoming increasingly popular and finding the best way to replace turf with a mint lawn can be seriously hard (but satisfying) work.
Doing it right the first time is essential in ensuring your sustainable lawn has a professional long-lasting look. As you embark on this journey, Marek Bowers, founder of the sustainable landscaping company Bolder Green, has given us a step by step guide on how you can grow a corsican mint lawn
1. Remove Existing Turf
Mow the grass short, then use a sod cutter or shovel to cut and lift the turf in manageable sections, and remove it from the area. Marek adds: 'As in insider tip, this part of the process sucks!'
2. Prepare the Soil
Add compost or organic matter to the soil, till to a depth of 6-8 inches, and level the soil with a rake.
3. Plant the Mint
Space Corsican mint plants 12 inches apart, dig holes to accommodate the roots, place the plants in the holes, and gently press down the soil.
4. Initial Watering
Water the newly planted mint thoroughly to help settle the soil and establish the roots.
5. Regular Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for the first few weeks until the mint establishes itself.
6. Maintenance
Keep the area weed-free, occasionally trim the mint to maintain a tidy appearance, and enjoy your new low-maintenance mint lawn.’
How to care for a Corsican Mint lawn
Lawn care is essential to get the best out of your landscape, but did you know that a corsican mint never needs to be mowed? Surely it's too good to be true? Well, one of the huge advantages of herbaceous lawns like corsican mint is their naturally low-growing habits, meaning you can ditch your mower and leave your sustainable lawn to it. It's time to say goodbye to endless weekends walking up and down your lawn!
Marek explains: ‘Corsican mint requires very little mowing and trimming, making it an ideal low-maintenance ground cover. It grows low to the ground, typically only reaching 1 to 2 inches in height, so it doesn’t need regular mowing like traditional grass lawns.’
But if you do want to get your hands dirty, Marek advises, ‘you might want to trim your Corsican Mint lawn with garden shears or a light-duty trimmer to maintain a tidy appearance or encourage denser growth, but overall, its minimal need for cutting significantly reduces the time and effort required for lawn care.’
Types of mint for your lawn
There are over 7,500 different types of mint, and some of them are extremely invasive, so choosing the right variety of non-invasive mint for your lawn is crucial. Otherwise, you could land yourself in a whole heap of minty-scented trouble!
Sustainable landscaper Marek warns: ‘Unlike other mint varieties, Corsican mint is non-invasive, staying nicely contained while providing excellent ground coverage. I do not recommend other mints as they are incredibly invasive and have seen this sentiment echoed across many other gardeners and landscapers.’
If you’re ever unsure of what type of mint you have, speak to a specialist! Trust us, planting the wrong type of mint is not a mistake you want to be making.
FAQS
What eco-friendly grass alternatives are there for sustainable lawns?
Eco-friendly lawns seem to be a popular grass alternative and they come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties.
But for gardening and landscaping expert Marek, he says Corsican mint is his top pick. He explains: ‘In my opinion, Corsican mint is a fantastic ground cover and lawn replacement – especially for shady, moist areas of your yard. 't has attractive, fluffy foliage that handles foot traffic well, making it great for planting between stepping stones or along walkways. One of its standout features is its dense, compact growth, which prevents weeds from taking hold.’
As well as smelling good, Corsican mint’s famous fragrance actually deters unwanted visitors too. Marek explains ‘As a member of the mint family, Corsican mint has aromatic foliage that naturally deters deer.’
An environmentally friendly alternative
While its luscious greenery is undoubtedly pleasing to look at, traditional lawns can be thirsty plants! Reducing water consumption is a key component of Marek’s sustainable landscaping approach, which is why Corsican mint gets his eco-friendly stamp of approval. Plus, it may just save money on your water bills too!
‘As a sustainable landscaper, I find Corsican mint’s low water requirement particularly appealing. Once established, this plant needs significantly less water than traditional grass lawns, making it ideal for areas with water restrictions or for gardeners aiming to reduce their water usage,’ says gardening expert Marek.
