Upright Pennyroyal

Mentha pulegium

Upright Pennyroyal

£3.95
£3.95
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Pennyroyal is a charming, hardy herbaceous perennial and a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Known for its powerful, refreshing peppermint aroma, this low-growing ground cover is a staple of British folklore. Reaching only 15–30cm in height, it features tiny grey-green leaves and stunning lilac flower whorls that bloom throughout the summer. It is the perfect choice for damp, sunny spots, pond edges, or boggy garden corners where other plants might struggle. Do not consume.

↓ See Upright Pennyroyal care, midge-repelling & growing tips in our Grower's Guide
  • Medicinal

CHELSEA GOLD QUALITY TO YOUR DOOR

The Grower's Guide: From Soil to Plate

Grown on-site in Gloucestershire, your herbs and edible plants will arrive happy in peat-free compost and recyclable pots, all snugly tucked into sturdy cardboard packaging.

Plant Key Features

  • Common Names: Upright Pennyroyal, Pudding Grass
  • Botanical Name: Mentha pulegium
  • Plant Type: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial
  • Hardiness: Fully Hardy (UK Zone H5) – returns reliably every spring
  • Mature Size: 15cm–30cm Height; spreading/prostrate habit
  • Foliage & Flower: Tiny grey-green oval leaves with whorls of lilac-purple flowers
  • Sun & Soil: Full sun to partial shade; thrives in consistently moist to wet soil
  • Natural Repellent: Intense menthol scent naturally deters midges, gnats, and flies and as an ant deterrant.
  • Maintenance: Low-maintenance; simply prune back stems that wander too far
  • Pollinator Value: Exceptional; a premier nectar source for small solitary bees and butterflies
  • Pot Size: Supplied in a sustainable, 9cm recyclable pot

Uses & Expert Tips

Historic Aromatics

  • Use as a natural, historic repellent for gnats and midges and as an ant deterant. Was used traditionally as an edible, hence the name common name Hog's Pudding, but this should be avoided.
  • Toxicity Warning: Strictly avoid during pregnancy, as it is a known uterine stimulant. Never ingest pennyroyal essential oil. Some flea collars for pets contain pennyroyal oil. Keep away from pets that graze, as it contains pulegone which can be toxic in high quantities and cause liver failure. Pennyroyal is frequently used as an insecticide and pest repellent.

Expert Growing Tips

  • Insect Repellant: In Victorian times, Pennyroyal was often planted near windows to keep flies out. For best results, plant it in a pot near your outdoor seating area; the scent released when the foliage is brushed acts as a brilliant, natural repellent on summer evenings.
  • Moisture is Key: Unlike most herbs, Pennyroyal loves "wet feet." It is the perfect choice for pond edges, bog gardens, or those damp corners where other herbs might rot.

Why Choose Our Pennyroyal

Our Pennyroyal is grown to be garden-ready, boasting a strong root system and a high-intensity aroma. A great choice to support solitary bees or create a natural midge-free zone.

Sustainable Packaging

Our packaging materials have been carefully researched and selected with sustainability at the forefront of our process. We believe that high-quality plants shouldn't come at a cost to the planet.Every order is hand-picked and secured using:

  • Sturdy cardboard outer packaging – Fully recyclable and designed for protection.
  • Recyclable labels and pots – Ensuring a circular life for your gardening essentials.
  • Biodegradable soil retainers – A planet-friendly alternative to plastic bags.

Even after the bumpiest of journeys and the harshest of climates, our plants will be delivered safely to your door as fresh as when they were picked from our Gloucestershire nursery.

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Delivery Information

At Kitchen Garden Plant Centre, we pride ourselves on a seamless journey from our Gloucestershire nursery to your door. We provide tracked UK-wide delivery, ensuring the same expert care for our local neighbours in Newent as we do for our customers across the country.


Shipping Rates
Our shipping rates are tiered by order value to ensure you get the best price:

  • Orders up to £15: £11.99
  • Orders £15 – £19.99: £8.99
  • Orders £20 – £59.99: £5.99
  • Orders £60 and over: FREE

Note: Shipping rates do not accumulate; you will only be charged the single most appropriate rate for your order.


Reliable Shipping Across the UK
To ensure your plants spend the minimum time in transit, we choose the most efficient route for your location:

  • England, Wales & Scottish Lowlands: Dispatched via 24-hour courier.
  • Highlands, Islands & UK Offshore: Dispatched via Royal Mail.

    Includes: Scottish Highlands, Islands, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands.

Free Local Collection (Newent, GL18)
Prefer to collect? We offer a free Click & Collect service from our Newent nursery. As we are a working specialist herb nursery, visits and collections are strictly by appointment only, so we recommend collection during the following windows:

  • Collection Days: Mondays & Wednesdays
  • Collection Times: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

How it works:
Simply select 'Local Pickup' at checkout. We will then contact you to confirm when your order is picked and ready for collection, and which of these dates and times is most convenient for you to meet the growers and collect your plants.
Family grown Herbs and Edibles
◇
3 RHS Chelsea Gold medals
◇
Pesticide free
◇
Sustainability
◇
Family grown Herbs and Edibles
◇
3 RHS Chelsea Gold medals
◇
Pesticide free
◇
Sustainability
◇
Family grown Herbs and Edibles
◇
3 RHS Chelsea Gold medals
◇
Pesticide free
◇
Sustainability
◇
Family grown Herbs and Edibles
◇
3 RHS Chelsea Gold medals
◇
Pesticide free
◇
Sustainability
◇
Family grown Herbs and Edibles
◇
3 RHS Chelsea Gold medals
◇
Pesticide free
◇
Sustainability
◇
Family grown Herbs and Edibles
◇
3 RHS Chelsea Gold medals
◇
Pesticide free
◇
Sustainability
◇

What makes us different?

We are a 3 x RHS Chelsea Gold medal award winning, family grower of Herbs and Edibles.

We use natural integrated pest management systems on the nursery and a peat free compost which is sourced and produced in the U.K and only a stones throw away.

You can find us at shows and markets across the UK.

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What our customers say...

"I have purchased herbs from Kitchen Garden Plant centre and the quality of the plants are unparalleled. Such a fantastic selection to choose from and all grown on their family nursery from scratch. Packaging is great and the advice and guidance offered by this knowledgable team is simply the best. 10/10 would recommend and would only by my plants from this lovely team."
Bryony Jones
Google review
"These lovely folk had the unusual rosemary we had been searching for in lovely growth and good price. Feel more than confident to mail order from them in future too. Also, their Rau Ram (vietnamese coriander) has lovely subtle flavour that we'd never tried before ."
Elizabeth Bowyer
Google review
"I have just received my order and felt I wanted to compliment you on the quality of the plants and the way they were packaged; much better than your competitors."
Alex Reed
Google review
"Brilliant selection of herbs, and truly exceptional customer service. Glowing recommendation for anyone looking to level up their cooking, have their kitchen smell fantastic, or get a unique gift for the green-thumbed chef in their life."
Angus M
Google review