Practical
Plants

Prostanthera rotundifolia

Mint Bush

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Prostanthera genus in the family Labiatae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Labiatae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
4.5 m
Spread
3 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The plant is rich in volatile oils, including menthol and cineole (as found in the mints, Mentha spp.)[8]. The leaves are antibacterial, antifungal and carminative[3][4][8]. They are used externally in the treatment of colds and headaches[8]. Presumably the leaves are infused in a bowl of hot water and the vapour inhaled[K].

Product or use
Antibacterial
Product or use
Antifungal
Product or use
Carminative

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An essential oil obtained from the leaves is medicinal[4]. The leaves yield up to 0.7% of the oil[4]. The dried leaves are used in pot-pourri[8].

Product or use
Essential
Product or use
Pot-pourri

Environment

Range
Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria.
Habitat
Sheltered hillsides, usually in sylvan habitats[3][4]. Sandy soils over sandstone on rainforest edges and sheltered spots in sclerophyll forest[10].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 9+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[7].The seed usually germinates within a few weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed remains viable for 2 - 3 years in normal storage[4]. Cuttings of soft-wood in early summer in a frame. They root readily[2]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[7].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a sunny position in a well drained soil and does not thrive on shallow chalky soils[2][7]. Prefers a humus-rich lime-free soil[6]. This species only succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of the country[6]. It is hardy to at least -7°c in Australian gardens[5] though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer colder and wetter winters. It does succeed outdoors in various places in Cornwall[1][11], though it is probably best on a wall even there[2]. A short-lived plant, but it can be grafted onto the roots of Westringia fruticosa which allows it to be grown in less favourable conditions and also probably increases its life span[2][5]. Plants are very tolerant of light trimming[K], but dislike hard pruning[8]. Any trimming is best carried out immediately after flowering[8]. Both leaves and flowers have a minty aroma[9].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  3. Lassak. E. V. and McCarthy. T. Australian Medicinal Plants.

    ↩1↩2

  4. Ewart. A. J. Flora of Victoria.

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  5. Wrigley. J. W. and Fagg. M. Australian Native Plants. Collins. (Australia) 1988-00-00 ISBN 0-7322-0021-0

    ↩1↩2

  6. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2

  7. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  9. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩

  10. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-330-37376-5

    ↩

  11. Thurston. Trees and Shrubs in Cornwall.

    ↩

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