Prostanthera ovalifolia (Oval Leaved Mint Bush)

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Plant description

Oval Leaved Mint Bush makes a spectacular feature shrub for the garden when it is smothered in purple flowers in spring. Place it near outdoor entertaining areas so that the strong minty fragrance of the leaves can also be enjoyed as people rub against the plant or if there is a shower of rain. It can be a bit unreliable, particularly if the plant becomes waterlogged for any length of time. Give it a light trim after flowering to ensure the best possible flowering for the following year. It also makes an excellent potted plant and can be kept to a reasonable size with regular pruning.

Further reading: Top ten native plants and Best natives for pots and small gardens (articles written by native plant expert and horticulturalist Angus Stewart).

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: Purple
Flowering season: spring

Scent

Leaves have a minty fragrance when crushed.

Plant size

Maximum height: 5 metres
Minimum height: 1.5 metres

Maximum width: 4 metres
Minimum width: 1.5 metres

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

Will tolerate partial sunlight.
Light frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: insects.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: temperate, subtropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: dry, moist, well-drained.

Clay: well-drained.

Sand: dry, moist, well-drained.

Soil pH: 5-6

Miscellaneous information

Native to: Australia.

Planting season: autumn or spring.

Types of fertiliser: Low phosphorus Australian plant fertiliser.

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