Alpine mint bush
Prostanthera cuneata · Lamiaceae
📷 Melburnian · CC BY 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around alpine mint bush and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Lamiaceae (mints and deadnettles)
- Origin
- Australia (New South Wales)
- Foliage
- Evergreen, finely cut and aromatic
- Flowering
- April to May, white or pale pink flowers
- Adult size
- Approximately 80 cm tall
- Hardiness
- Moderate, grow in mild regions or in movable containers
- Growth
- Moderate
- Soil type
- Well-draining, light, poor to medium
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Prostanthera cuneata is a drought-loving shrub: very well-draining soil is essential, no regular watering in summer. After flowering, prune lightly to thicken it up.
The common mistake
Watering it like a regular plant in normal soil: it'll rot before autumn.
The pro's trick
In humid climates, plant it on raised ground or in a rockery with gravel at the base of the stem.
Care
Light
Prostanthera cuneata thrives in full sun for generous flowering. It tolerates light partial shade in hot climates. Place it in a well-ventilated spot to prevent stagnant moisture.
Watering
This plant has low water needs. Water regularly during the spring growing period, then reduce gradually. Excess water is the main enemy: let the substrate dry slightly between waterings.
Soil and drainage
Favour very well-draining, light and rather poor substrate. A mix of horticultural compost, sand and gravel works perfectly. Adding perlite or pumice improves drainage.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch out young plants to encourage balanced branching. After flowering, prune lightly to maintain a compact shape. Avoid severe pruning which may weaken the plant.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice in spring. This plant generally needs little feeding and dislikes over-fertilizing. Excessive feeding promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
Watch out for excessive moisture which encourages root rot and fungal issues. Red spider mites and aphids can occasionally appear in hot climates. Ensure good air circulation and intervene quickly if problems arise.
Did you know?
Prostanthera cuneata, native to the rocky regions of New South Wales, owes its scientific name to the Greek 'prostanthera' (stamen placed before) referring to the morphology of its flowers. The finely cut foliage is intensely aromatic when rubbed and releases a characteristic minty fragrance highly appreciated in Australia.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.