Chocolate Water Mint (Mentha × piperita f. citrata) with floating pond ring

There's something magical about plants that combine beauty with flavour, and the Chocolate Water Mint (Mentha × piperita f. citrata 'Chocolate') might just be one of the most enchanting additions you can make to your water garden. This unique pond plant offers not only visual interest but also a delightful sensory experience that will have visitors doing a double-take when they catch a whiff of its distinctive chocolate-mint aroma. What Is Chocolate Water Mint? Chocolate Water Mint is a fascinating hybrid, created by crossing peppermint with citrus mint and then further developed to produce subtle chocolate overtones. Native to Europe and the Middle East, this perennial herb has found its way into water gardens around the world, delighting gardeners with its unique characteristics.     Quick Facts: Latin Name: Mentha × piperita f. citrata 'Chocolate' Plant Type: Perennial Mature Size: 30cm to 60cm Position: Full sun to part shade Flowers: Small lavender flowers in mid to late summer Origin: The Middle East and Europe Water Depth: 2cm Edible: Yes Oxygenator: No Growing Chocolate Water Mint in your pond: Simplicity at Its Finest One of the most appealing aspects of Chocolate Water Mint is how incredibly easy it is to grow. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this plant offers a fuss-free experience. Simple Planting Steps Choose Your Location: Find a spot in your pond or water feature with a shallow depth of about 2cm. The plant thrives in full sun but will also perform well in partial shade. Planting: We recommend growing it in the pot and floating pond ring to ensure it doesnt take over! If you were to plant it directly in your pond, it prefers a shallow water depth and would grow well in a  small water feature or container water garden. Watch It Grow: Stand back and watch as your Chocolate Water Mint establishes itself. With minimal care, it will grow to a height of 30-60cm, creating a lush presence in your water garden. Maintenance Made Easy Chocolate Water Mint requires very little maintenance. Like most mints, it's vigorous and hardy, making it perfect for beginners. The plant will reward you with small lavender flowers in mid to late summer, these attract polinators to your pond and garden. If anything, you might find yourself needing to contain its enthusiasm! Like its terrestrial mint cousins, Chocolate Water Mint can spread quite enthusiastically.  Culinary Delights: Using Your Chocolate Water Mint Beyond its ornamental value, Chocolate Water Mint earns its keep in the kitchen. Its leaves offer a unique flavour profile that combines traditional mint with subtle chocolate undertones. Simple Culinary Uses Fresh Teas: Perhaps the simplest way to enjoy your Chocolate Water Mint is in a freshly brewed tea. Just steep a few leaves in hot water for a refreshing and unique beverage. Read more here about Tea's. Dessert Garnish: The leaves make an unexpected and delightful garnish for chocolate desserts, ice cream, or fruit salads. Infused Water: Add a few leaves to your water bottle for a subtly flavoured drink that makes staying hydrated a pleasure. Salad Addition: Finely chop the young leaves and add them to fruit salads for an unexpected twist. Chocolate Pairings: The mint's natural affinity for chocolate makes it perfect for enhancing chocolate-based recipes or creating interesting garnishes. Health Benefits: A Sweet Bonus Like other mints, Chocolate Water Mint offers various health benefits, making it not just a tasty addition to your diet but a beneficial one too. The plant contains essential oils that can aid digestion and freshen breath. Its pleasant aroma can also have a calming effect, making a cup of Chocolate Mint tea the perfect end to a busy day. Simplicity and Delight in One Plant Chocolate Water Mint represents everything we love about gardening – beauty, practicality, and simplicity. It's a plant that asks for little but gives much in return, from its attractive appearance to its culinary versatility. Whether you're looking to expand your edible water garden or simply want to add an interesting conversation piece to your outdoor space, this unusual variety of mint deserves consideration. Its ease of growth makes it accessible to gardeners of all experience levels, while its unique chocolate notes ensure it stands out from the crowd. So why not add a touch of chocolate to your water garden? With minimal effort, you'll be rewarded with a plant that delights the senses and adds a touch of culinary magic to your home.   © We Know Water Gardens 2025