Vietnamese Water Mint (Polygonium odoratum) pot with floating ring

Perennial

Position:           Part shade (shade-tolerant) to full sun

Size:                 To 30cm

Flowers:           No

Submersible:    To a depth of 5cm

Foliage:            Above the water level

Origin:              South East Asia

Cover:              Great cover plant when grown with a floating ring

Oxygenator:     No

Vietnamese Water Mint also known as Vietnamese coriander is one of the most useful and easy to grow water plants. It is an exceptionally fast grower, and its leaves can be used in drinks, salads and curries. Aside from their edible qualities, the leaves have an almost dark variegated pattern on them, and they are very attractive. Although not a true member of the mint family of plants it carries many of the same traits in how it grows, reproduces, and tastes.  

It can grow up to 30cm in size, but when used on a floating ring on the pond, Vietnamese Water mint tends to spread out rather then grow up right.  It can be propagated from cuttings with the stems of the plant dropping roots in the water as it spills into the pond. A fast grower, Vietnamese Water Mint needs monthly fertilising using a pond fertiliser tablet from October through to March.  As well as the leaves being edible, when grown in the floating ring that comes with all of our plants it spreads out and provides shelter for fish and tadpoles.

Vietnamese mint boasts a rich history of traditional applications, serving as a versatile remedy for a myriad of health concerns. Its uses extend beyond culinary purposes, encompassing therapeutic benefits such as fever reduction, anti-inflammatory effects to alleviate swellings and wounds, acne improvement, nausea reduction, digestive aid for stomach complaints, enhancement of hair and skin conditions, diuretic properties, and overall health tonic capabilities. The active components, characterized by various aldehydes present in the oils, exhibit notable antioxidant activity.

Furthermore, Vietnamese Water Mint has a pleasant aroma that is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress. 

This herb is popular as a healthy tea that is rich in anti oxidants. Learn more about the health benefits of drinking mint tea here on our blog.