Mint Family - Mints As Ornamental Plants

Some species in the mint family are commonly grown indoors or in gardens as leafy ornamentals. One of the more popular groups of foliage plants is the various species and varieties of coleus (Coleus spp.), bee-balm (Monarda fistulosa), bergamot (Monarda didyma), garden sage (Salvia splendens), and common sage (Salvia officinalis).

Many people cultivate their own herb gardens of various species in the mint family that are used as flavorings. This is done to ensure a continuous and fresh supply of these flavorful herbs for use in aromatic, epicurean cooking. Recently, people have also began to grow these plants indoors under artificial sources of light so that they will continue to have access to fresh edible mints during the winter.