Tango Hummingbird mint is a popular variety of mint known for its fruity aroma and vigorous spreading habit. As with most mints, Tango Hummingbird mint can be quite invasive if left unchecked in the garden. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at whether Tango Hummingbird mint spreads and how to control its growth.
What is Tango Hummingbird Mint?
Tango Hummingbird mint (Mentha x villosa ‘Tango’) is a hybrid mint variety in the Lamiaceae family. It was bred by noted mint breeder Jim Westerfield and introduced commercially in the early 2000s by Hurst Plants in the United Kingdom. Tango gets its name from its unique fruity scent that is reminiscent of citrus and tropical fruits. The leaves are rounded and bright medium green in color. The plant produces short spikes of two-lipped lavender flowers in mid to late summer.
This type of mint is valued in both culinary and ornamental applications for its fruit-punch fragrance and compact, bushy habit. The aroma is sweeter and more pungent than traditional spearmint varieties. Tango Hummingbird mint essential oil is used to flavor candy, drinks, teas, and cosmetics. The colorful foliage also makes it well-suited for herb gardens, borders, containers, and pollinator gardens.
Does Tango Hummingbird Mint Spread?
Yes, like most other mint varieties, Tango Hummingbird mint is prone to spreading quickly under the right growing conditions. This is because mints have vigorous rhizomatous root structures that allow them to aggressively expand horizontally across the garden bed. The rhizomes creep just under the soil surface and send up new shoots every few inches.
Tango Hummingbird mint may not spread quite as rapidly as more invasive spearmint and peppermint varieties. However, gardeners still need to take care to prevent Tango mint from taking over. Containing it within pots or garden beds is highly recommended.
Factors That Contribute to Spread
There are several growing factors that can exacerbate Tango Hummingbird mint’s spreading habit:
- Loose, moist soil – Mint thrives best in loose, moist, fertile soil that allows the rhizomes to easily creep and expand.
- Full sun – Full sun exposure encourages the most vigorous growth and spreading from mint plants.
- Overcrowding – Mint that is overcrowded will aggressively expand across open ground in search of space and resources.
- Lack of maintenance – Allowing mint to grow unchecked with no pruning or containment measures will result in rampant spread.
Gardeners who wish to plant Tango Hummingbird mint need to be diligent about keeping it under control. Proper site selection, containment methods, and maintenance can help prevent unwanted spread.
How to Control the Spread of Tango Hummingbird Mint
Here are some recommended tips to prevent Tango Hummingbird mint from taking over your garden:
Use Containers or Barriers
Growing mint in containers above ground is the most foolproof way to prevent spreading. Choose a wide, shallow pot at least 12 inches across to provide enough room for growth. Burying containers in the garden can also work, as long as the rims sit an inch or two above the soil line. This prevents runners from escaping over the edges.
In-ground mint should be surrounded by a vertical barrier extending at least 10 inches deep into the ground. Barriers made of plastic, metal, concrete, or wood will halt the advance of underground rhizomes. Leave enough space between the barrier and plants to accommodate growth for 1-2 years.
Be Selective About Location
Only plant Tango Hummingbird mint in a permanent location where you don’t mind it taking over. An out-of-the way area of the garden, or a dedicated herb bed are ideal spots. Avoid planting near sensitive borders, flower beds, or vegetables.
Prune Regularly
Pruning above-ground growth forces mint to channel energy into the existing plant instead of outward spread. Cut back flower spikes after blooming and shear off at least a third of the stems to the ground 2-3 times per season. Discard pruned stems or they may root if left on moist soil.
Remove Runners
Check around mint plantings frequently for runners traveling beyond the desired boundaries. Dig down and cut back any extending rhizomes or pull up new shoots. Being vigilant is key to keeping mint under control.
Divide Overcrowded Plants
Crowded, neglected mints are more likely to spread. Divide congested plants every 2-3 years in spring or fall. Scoop out sections of rooted rhizomes and replant, give away, or compost excess divisions.
Cut Back Before Flowering
Cutting mint back to the ground just before it blooms for the season will reduce the likelihood of self-seeding, which can lead to unwanted spread. Remove spent flower spikes promptly as well.
Mulch Beds
Applying 2-3 inches of mulch around mint plantings helps suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and discourage excess spreading. Organic options like bark chips, leaves, straw, or wood chips work best.
Remove Plants Entirely
For gardeners who no longer want to deal with mint, removing it altogether is an option. Use a spade to dig down at least 10-12 inches around the plant and sift through the soil to remove as many roots and runners as possible. Solarizing the soil can also help kill remnants.
Should You Let Tango Hummingbird Mint Spread?
Whether you choose to let Tango Hummingbird mint spread in your garden depends on your specific goals and tolerance for its colonizing habit. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros of Letting It Spread
- Provides ample mint for harvesting over a large area
- Fills in garden space quickly and provides dense groundcover
- Helps choke out weeds once established
- Attracts pollinators across the garden bed
- Reduces need to purchase new plants every year
Cons of Letting It Spread
- Can become weedy or invasive in the garden
- Hard to control and eradicate once established over a large area
- May crowd out nearby plants
- Not recommended for formal designed gardens
- Propagates quickly, even where unwanted
Generally, letting Tango Hummingbird mint spread is best suited to informal cottage gardens and herb beds where its colonizing behavior is an asset rather than a nuisance. Heavily contained gardens and landscapes are better off restraining mint’s growth.
Key Takeaways
- Tango Hummingbird mint is prone to spreading via underground rhizomes, like most mint varieties.
- Moist soil, full sun, overcrowding, and lack of maintenance exacerbate spreading.
- Containers, barriers, pruning, and other control methods can restrict the spread.
- Allowing Tango mint to spread has pros and cons to weigh for each gardener’s needs.
- With proper site selection and vigilant care, Tango mint can be grown successfully without turning invasive in the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cutting back Tango Hummingbird mint help reduce spread?
Yes, regularly cutting back the stems to the ground can help curb mint’s spread by forcing it to focus energy on the existing plant rather than expanding outward. Prune mint at least 2-3 times per growing season.
Should you deadhead Tango Hummingbird mint flowers?
Deadheading spent mint flowers is recommended to prevent self-seeding, which can lead to unwanted mint plants popping up. Clip off flower spikes right after blooming finishes.
What is the best way to remove Tango Hummingbird mint entirely?
To entirely eradicate mint from an area, use a spade to dig down 10-12 inches removing all roots and rhizomes. Solarizing the soil with black plastic for several months can also kill any remnants left behind. Replanting mints in the same spot is not recommended.
What plants can be planted near Tango Hummingbird mint?
Good companion plants for Tango mint include other herbs like oregano, thyme, lavender, sage, basil, and tomatoes. Avoid planting mint near sensitive perennials, bulbs, or shallow-rooted plants which it may overrun.
How fast does Tango Hummingbird mint spread each year?
When happy, Tango Hummingbird mint may spread at a rate of 12-18 inches per year via its underground rhizomes. Growth rate depends on growing conditions. Well-maintained mints spread slower than neglected, overcrowded plants.
Conclusion
With its fruity aroma and attractive foliage, Tango Hummingbird mint has much to offer gardens. However, like all mints, this variety needs close monitoring to prevent rampant spread. By planting Tango mint selectively, using containment methods, and pruning diligently, gardeners can strike a balance between enjoying this versatile plant while also keeping it in check.
