About
This variable, tall or oval-shaped shrub to 4m, with narrowly ovate, strongly menthol-scented leaves. In late spring or early summer it bears branched clusters of scented, finely hairy white or pale purple flowers, 2cm across, with purple or orange markings in the throat.
About the genus
Prostanthera are bushy evergreen shrubs with small, dark green, highly aromatic leaves and terminal panicles or racemes of cup-shaped white blue or purple flowers in late spring or early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toAustralia
FragranceFlower, Foliage
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. When in growth water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. Outdoors, grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun at the base of a warm wall
PruningSee pruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown at 13-18°C in spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility