Prostanthera

New Zealand’s Best Prostanthera Plants

Growing colourful shrubs in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Mint Bush plants and the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Prostanthera, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Prostanthera

1. What is the common name for Prostanthera?

Prostanthera is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, with about 100 species endemic to Australia. The common name for Prostanthera is mintbush or mint bush. This name is derived from the plant's aromatic leaves and stems, which have a minty scent.

Here are some additional common names for specific Prostanthera species:

• Prostanthera rotundifolia: Round-leaved mintbush, round-leaf mint-bush
• Prostanthera cryptandroides: Wollemi mint-bush
• Prostanthera linearis: Honey-myrtle
• Prostanthera lasiantha: Hairy mint-bush
• Prostanthera ovalifolia: Oval-leaved mint-bush

2. Is prostanthera edible?

The edibility of Prostanthera species varies depending on the specific species. Some Prostanthera species, such as Prostanthera rotundifolia (round-leaved mintbush) and Prostanthera incisa (native sage), have been used as culinary herbs for their minty flavor and aroma. Their leaves and stems can be used fresh or dried to add flavor to salads, soups, stews, and teas.

However, some Prostanthera species may contain toxic compounds and should not be consumed. It is important to properly identify the species before using any Prostanthera plant for culinary purposes. If you are unsure about the edibility of a particular Prostanthera species, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming it.

3. Is prostanthera cuneata evergreen?

Prostanthera cuneata, also known as the Alpine Mint Bush or Australian Mint Bush, is an evergreen shrub. It has small, dark green, highly aromatic leaves that are tightly congested on the stems. The leaves retain their green color throughout the year, even during the winter months. This makes Prostanthera cuneata a valuable addition to gardens in colder climates, as it provides a touch of greenery even when other plants are dormant.

In addition to its evergreen foliage, Prostanthera cuneata also produces masses of small white flowers with purple-dotted centers in the spring and summer. These flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making Prostanthera cuneata a beneficial addition to pollinator gardens.

4. Is Prostanthera ovalifolia variegata edible?

The leaves of Prostanthera ovalifolia variegata can be eaten as they are safe for human consumption. The leaves have a minty flavor similar to the other Prostanthera species. There are no reports of adverse reactions after consuming Prostanthera ovalifolia variegata. However, some people may have an allergic reaction to the plant, so it is always best to start with a small amount and see how you react.

Prostanthera ovalifolia variegata is a popular garden plant due to its beautiful variegated leaves and its ability to attract pollinators. The leaves can be used fresh or dried to add flavor to salads, soups, stews, and teas. They can also be used to make mint jelly or mint sauce. The flowers can also be eaten, but they have a slightly bitter taste.

5. How big do Prostanthera ovalifolia variegata get?

Prostanthera ovalifolia variegata typically grows to be 1-2 m tall and 1.2-2 m wide. It is an evergreen shrub with a soft texture and an open foliage habit. The leaves are oval-shaped with a nice cream variegation around the margins. The plant produces an abundance of small tubular purple flowers at the branch tips on a branched inflorescence in the spring.