Prostanthera rotundifolia
| Prostanthera rotundifolia | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 15' |
| Width: | 10' |
| Blooms: | Late Spring |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Prostanthera rotundifolia (common name: mint bush)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[1].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[2].
Cuttings of soft-wood in early summer in a frame. They root readily[3].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[1].
Cultivation: Requires a sunny position in a well drained soil and does not thrive on shallow chalky soils[3][1]. Prefers a humus-rich lime-free soil[4].
This species only succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of the country[4]. 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[6][7], though it is probably best on a wall even there[3].
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[3][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].
Range: Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria.
Habitat: Sheltered hillsides, usually in sylvan habitats[10][2]. Sandy soils over sandstone on rainforest edges and sheltered spots in sclerophyll forest[11].
Medicinal: 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[10][2][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].
Usage: An essential oil obtained from the leaves is medicinal[2]. The leaves yield up to 0.7% of the oil[2].
The dried leaves are used in pot-pourri[8].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Ewart, Alfred. Recording Census of the Victorian Flora. 1923.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Wrigley, John and Murray Fagg. Australian Native Plants. Collins, 1988.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Thurston, Edgar. Trees and Shrubs in Cornwall. Cambridge University Press, 1930.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Lassak, Erich and Tara McCarthy. Australian Medicinal Plants.
- ↑ Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.