on summer, among all the rooftop flora there is one pot — or better, one little (perhaps not so little after a while) plant — that stands out above the rest: mint, or in my case Mentha suaveolens.
From Healing Herb to Rooftop Resident
One of the most delightful mints to grow, Mentha suaveolens — commonly known as apple mint — is a soft, fragrant perennial with velvety leaves and a refreshing, fruity aroma. Unlike M. piperita, which is prized for its sharp menthol punch, M. suaveolens offers a gentler scent and flavour, often described as sweet and apple-like.
Traditionally, its leaves have been used fresh or dried in teas, syrups, infusions, and herbal remedies. Modern studies have highlighted broader medicinal properties — anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antifungal actions among them.
Beyond its medicinal virtues, its real magic on the rooftop lies in the life it attracts — bees, hoverflies, and butterflies all seem unable to resist its tiny, nectar-rich blooms.
A Hidden Talent: Attracting Life
Here, Mentha suaveolens is not just a medicinal herb — it is a life magnet.
Its sprawling stems and dense foliage create a miniature forest where insects find shelter, food, and opportunity. Bees, hoverflies, wasps, aphids, ants, and even the occasional spider weave through the peppermint jungle.
Its delicate pale lilac flowers are irresistible to pollinators, while the shaded undersides of its leaves serve as safe havens for resting wings and patient predators.
The pot becomes a buzzing microcosm — a small universe of coexistence and delicate balances, fuelled by the scent of apples and the promise of nectar.
The Rooftop Ritual
Rooftop friends and foes alike could be seen hovering or feasting on mint flowers at all hours of the day. It soon became a daily ritual to observe — and photograph — the endless stream of visitors.
While fascinating from a naturalist’s point of view, it is even more important from an ecological one: that constant buzzing means pulsating life, increased pollination, and better crops.
Fragrance, Function, and Resilience
The strong scent of mint is unpleasant to mosquitoes, and crushing the leaves to rub on skin can act as a mild deterrent — perfect for summer outdoor meals.
Its fragrance also helps repel pests such as aphids, ants, and flea beetles, while attracting beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and predatory wasps that keep rooftop ecosystems balanced. Consider placing a pot of mint at the centre of other pots.
And yet, its generosity doesn’t stop at pollinators — mint is also one of the easiest plants to keep happy.
Apple mint, and mints in general, tolerates both high and low temperatures, survives a little drought or overwatering, and thrives even in small pots.
It’s cheap to buy, cheap to keep, and endlessly rewarding.
Because of its vigorous spreading nature, mint should be grown in pots or containers to prevent it from taking over neighbouring plants. Every couple of years, divide and replant the clump to keep it healthy and aromatic.
Rooftop Tip Box — How to Keep Mint Happy
Mint thrives in bright light with partial sun and appreciates regular watering — keeping the soil moist but never waterlogged. A well-draining potting mix prevents root rot, while occasional trimming encourages bushier growth. Consider cutting only part of the plant at a time to keep some stems flowering for pollinators.
Feed lightly with organic compost or worm tea during the growing season — mint doesn’t like excess fertiliser, only a gentle nudge. Harvest often: frequent snipping gives you fresh leaves for tea and keeps the plant compact and productive.
🌿 Bonus for Readers: You can download the Apple Mint Guide to keep all the care notes and uses handy — a small token from my rooftop to yours.
Rooftop Use Box — Fresh Ways to Enjoy Mint
Tea & Infusions: A few fresh leaves steeped in hot water make a calming digestive tea. Add lemon or ginger for extra warmth on cool evenings. A sprig of mint with cucumber or lemon turns plain water into a cooling rooftop ritual.
Rooftop Mojitos: Muddle mint leaves with lime, sugar, and sparkling water (or rum, when celebrations call). Always harvest just before serving — fresh oils make all the difference.
Cooking & Garnish: Finely chop mint into couscous, fruit salads, or roasted vegetables. It brightens savoury dishes and refreshes summer desserts.
Preserve & Reuse: Dry mint leaves at the end of the season for winter teas, or grind them into a soft green powder. When gently burned, the powdered leaves release a delicate, refreshing fragrance — a quiet reminder of summer life in the colder months.
A Final Thought
Sometimes the plants that ask for least give the most in return. Mint, the life magnet, doesn’t demand attention — it just grows, blooms, and quietly turns a single pot into a living crossroads. If the rooftop has a heartbeat, it might just be the rustle of mint leaves: constant, fragrant, alive.
And you? Do you keep mint, or does another plant play that role where you garden? Share, I’d love to know!
P. S. Curious about more rooftop stories? Find other RUG posts here.
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