Prostanthera melissifolia Mauve

Common Name:
Balm Mint Bush

Description:
Prostanthera melissifolia, known as the Balm Mint Bush, is a dense, aromatic shrub native to the cool, moist forests of south-eastern Australia, particularly Victoria. This evergreen plant features dark green, ovate leaves with toothed margins and a distinctive minty fragrance. From October to December, it produces abundant mauve to purple flowers arranged in loose terminal sprays, adding vibrant colour and attracting pollinators to the garden. Thriving in well-drained, moist soils with dappled to full shade, it is well-suited to Melbourne's climate. Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain its dense form and encourages prolific blooming in subsequent seasons.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 2.5–3.5 metres

• Width: 2–3 metres

Aspect:

• Part Shade

• Full Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Mauve

• Purple

• Pink (less common)

Key Attributes:

• Australian native

• Scented flowers

• Bee Attracting

• Perennial

• Suitable for Hedging

• Suitable for Topiary

• Aromatic foliage

• Suitable for shaded gardens

• Low maintenance

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or animals.

Companion Plants:

• Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood)

• Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Mat-rush)

• Tetratheca ciliata (Pink Bells)

• Correa reflexa (Common Correa)

• Poa labillardierei (Common Tussock Grass)