Prostanthera melissifolia
Balm Mint-bush
Dense rounded shrub with 4-ridged branches.
Additional information
- FamilyLamiaceae
- StoreyMiddle storey
- Size1-3 m x 2-3 m
- Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
- LeavesPairs of dark green, egg-shaped, highly aromatic leaves 12-50 mm x 9-25 mm, margins toothed, tip blunt.
- Flower colourMauve
- Flowering timeOctober to December
- FlowersLoose terminal sprays of flowers.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in tall mountain forests. Dappled to full shade.
- Garden useA beautiful shrub which does not like to dry out. Plant near pathways to brush foliage and release mint perfume. Low to medium screen. Prune to maintain denseness. White and pink flowering forms are also commercially available.
- Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions. Victorian endemic.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2, 4, 5 Marilyn Bull ©; 4 Peter Kinchington ©
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