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Key characteristics

Family: Lamiaceae
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Flower color: White to pale mauve with purple and yellow markings inside
Foliage color: Small, aromatic, dark green leaves with a glossy surface
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; trim lightly after flowering to maintain compact shape
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 9
Wildlife: Bees and other pollinators

Shrubs

Prostanthera cuneata

Alpine Mint Bush

Prostanthera cuneata, commonly known as alpine mint bush, is a compact evergreen shrub celebrated for its aromatic foliage and profuse floral display. In late spring to summer, it produces masses of small, tubular white flowers, often tinged with pale lilac and marked with purple and yellow in the throat. These delicate blooms contrast beautifully with the dense, dark green leaves, which release a refreshing minty fragrance when brushed or crushed.

Light

Full sun to part shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Rock Gardens
Borders
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Camas · Mexican orange blossom · Bee balm · Maiden grass · Sea thrift · Flowering quince

Design tip

Alpine mint bush is especially nice near a path or patio, where brushing against the leaves releases their fresh minty fragrance. In late spring, masses of white flowers touched with pale lilac brighten the dark green foliage and give the shrub a soft, flower-filled appearance.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)