An easy to grow herbaceous perennial producing masses of daisy type flowers each year. The soft downy leaves are strongly mint scented and suitable for various culinary purposes. 9x9cm pot (8cm depth)
Description
- Aromatic leaves
- Relief for bee stings
- Easy to grow
- Clump forming
The leaves of Alecost were said to have been pressed into the leaves of bibles where the fresh minty aroma helped keep the parishioners awake during long church sermons. It is likely it was a common cottage garden herb, perfect for a plant with such bright happy flowers.
Plant Care
- Height: 60-100cm
- Type: Hardy
- Aspect: Sun
- Soil: Any/alkaline
- Flower colour: White petals with orange centres
- Flowering period: June - August
Alecost is an easy herb to grow and forms a mat like clump adorned with minty leaves and in summer masses of flowering stems. It isn't too fussy about soil but would like to be in a sunny position which will encourage plenty of flowers. It can be grown in a container if you don't have the space for it to spread, but would need splitting every couple of years to keep it from becoming too pot bound.
Usage
The gentle sweet minty smell of Alecost was once used in the brewing industry before the introduction of hops. The leaves were added at the end of the process to add flavour and help preserve the beer.
It was an important herb in a medieval garden as it was used as a strewing herb because the leaves hold their scent when dried; they were used dried in posies and pot pourri.
It is also a pleasant addition to cakes, biscuits and preserves. The minty tasting tea has traditionally been taken to benefit digestion.