Roundleaf Mint Bush Prostanthera rotundifolia 'Rosea'
ABOUT
Prostanthera rotundifolia 'Rosea', commonly known as Australian mint bush, is a decorative plant admired for its aromatic foliage and delicate flowers. Its leaves are a vibrant green, small, and round, often with a slightly serrated edge. The texture of the leaves is somewhat soft, with a pleasing minty scent when crushed or brushed against. This plant is particularly beloved for its profusion of blooms. The flowers are a soft, rose pink hue, adding a romantic touch to the foliage. They are small but plentiful, with a tubular shape that flares open into two lips—similar to the structure of common snapdragon flowers. The upper lip typically has two lobes, and the lower one has three, creating a pleasing symmetry. The contrast between the lush green leaves and the pastel flowers makes the Australian mint bush an attractive choice for ornamental gardens. The plant has a bushy, rounded habit, making it an ideal selection for borders or as a feature in a mixed bed. It’s the colorful blooms and aroma that truly set the Australian mint bush apart, creating a multisensory experience in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Round-leaf Mint Bush, Australian Mint Bush
Common names
Prostanthera rotundifolia 'Rosea'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Australian Mint Bush (Prostanthera rotundifolia 'Rosea') is not widely known for being toxic to humans. There is limited information available on the toxicity of this specific cultivar 'Rosea'. However, members of the Prostanthera genus are generally considered non-toxic and are sometimes used in cooking for their mint-like flavor. Therefore, there are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning for this plant. However, as with any plant, individuals could potentially have an allergic reaction or suffer from gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of the plant in large quantities, especially if they are not typically used for culinary purposes.
To pets
The Australian Mint Bush (Prostanthera rotundifolia 'Rosea') is not widely documented as being toxic to pets. There is limited information on the toxicity of this specific cultivar to animals. Generally, plants in the Prostanthera genus are not known for being poisonous to pets. If any part of the plant is ingested in significant amounts there may be a risk of mild gastrointestinal upset, but serious symptoms of poisoning are not commonly associated with this plant. Nevertheless, pet owners should always be cautious and prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not part of their normal diet to avoid any potential adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Spread
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Prostanthera rotundifolia 'Rosea', commonly known as Round Leaf Mint Bush, adds beauty to a garden with its rounded leaves and mass of small, rose-pink flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Round Leaf Mint Bush attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: This plant generally requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Round Leaf Mint Bush is tolerant of drought once established, making it useful in water-conserving gardens.
- Fragrance: The foliage emits a pleasant mint-like fragrance, providing a sensory benefit when leaves are brushed against or crushed.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including as a feature shrub, in mixed beds, or as informal hedging.
- Habitat Enhancement: Provides shelter and food for wildlife, particularly beneficial for insect species.
- Erosion Control: The Round Leaf Mint Bush can be used on slopes and banks to help stabilize soil and control erosion.
- Evergreen Foliage: Since it is an evergreen shrub, it provides year-round interest and structure to the garden.
- Compact Growth Habit: This plant typically has a neat, compact growth habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens or spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Prostanthera rotundifolia 'Rosea', commonly known as Australian Mint Bush, can be used as a natural food flavoring due to its minty and herbaceous taste.
- It is a potential source of natural insect repellent as the leaves of the Australian Mint Bush can be rubbed onto the skin to ward off insects.
- Australian Mint Bush clippings can be used in potpourri mixtures, contributing a refreshing aroma to the blend.
- The flowers can be used as a natural dye source, where the pink hues can color fabrics or crafts.
- This plant's essential oil is used in aromatherapy and perfumery for creating relaxation-inducing scents.
- It can be used in the culinary arts for decorating desserts and adding an ornamental flair to dishes with its pink flowers.
- The dried leaves of Australian Mint Bush might be infused in oils or vinegars to impart flavor to culinary creations.
- The dense foliage of the Australian Mint Bush can provide privacy in gardens when used as a natural screening plant.
- As an addition to themed gardens, Australian Mint Bush is ideal for creating a sensory garden with its strong minty fragrance.
- The Australian Mint Bush can be a nectar source for bees and beneficial insects when grown in a pollinator-friendly garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Australian Mint Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Australian Mint Bush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Radiance: The 'Rosea' variant of Prostanthera rotundifolia, commonly known as Australian Mint Bush, has radiant pink-purple flowers, symbolizing a burst of energy and vibrancy.
- Refreshing: As a member of the mint family, the Australian Mint Bush represents freshness and the ability to rejuvenate the senses, similar to the revitalizing effect of mint.
- Protection: With its aromatic leaves, the Australian Mint Bush is often associated with protection. In traditional uses, its scent was believed to ward off negative forces and pests.
- Healing: The mint family is widely known for its medicinal properties, so the Australian Mint Bush symbolizes healing and the alleviation of ailments.
WaterThe Australian Mint Bush requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to once a week, depending on conditions such as temperature and humidity. It's important to avoid overwatering, so ensure that the soil is well-draining. Depending on the size of the plant and the pot, you might need to provide around 16-32 ounces of water per week. Adjust the amount as necessary, providing more water during hot, dry periods and less during cooler, wetter times.
LightThe Australian Mint Bush thrives in full sun to partial shade. To achieve optimal growth, place it in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in areas with particularly intense sun, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureThe Australian Mint Bush does well in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers milder climates. It can survive brief periods of much colder weather down to about 20°F but thrives best when temperatures are between 50°F and 80°F. Make sure to protect the plant from frost, as it does not tolerate severe cold conditions well.
PruningPruning the Australian Mint Bush is important to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune lightly in early spring, before the new growth starts, to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant. Additionally, after flowering, you can deadhead spent blooms to encourage a second flush of flowers. Regular pruning—about once or twice a year—is usually sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Round Leaf Mint Bush (Prostanthera rotundifolia 'Rosea') should be well-drained and enriched with organic matter, such as a blend of loam, sand, and peat or compost. This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with an ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingThe Round Leaf Mint Bush (Prostanthera rotundifolia 'Rosea') generally does not need frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or as needed when it becomes root-bound in its current container.
Humidity & MistingThe Round Leaf Mint Bush (Prostanthera rotundifolia 'Rosea') prefers a moderate humidity level, not too dry or too moist, to thrive best in a garden or potted environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with some direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleProstanthera rotundifolia 'Rosea', commonly known as the Australian mint bush, begins its life as a seed that germinates in well-drained soil, preferably in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Upon sprouting, the seedling starts to develop a root system and foliage with regular watering and adequate sunlight. As it grows into a young plant, it forms a woody stem and the characteristic round, aromatic leaves, with essential oils that release a minty fragrance when crushed. The mature Australian mint bush reaches flowering maturity typically within a year, displaying a profusion of tubular, soft pink to deep rose-colored flowers primarily in the spring and sporadically throughout the growing season. After pollination, which is often assisted by bees and other pollinators that are attracted to the flowers, the plant produces small fruits that contain seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. The plant may live several years, during which time it can be pruned to maintain shape and encourage denser growth and further rounds of flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: Australian Mint Bush, Prostanthera rotundifolia 'Rosea', is most commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late summer or early fall when the plant's growth begins to slow, but there's still enough warmth for root development. Begin by selecting healthy, non-flowering stems that have begun to harden but are not yet fully woody. Cut a piece about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, making the cut just below a node, and remove the lower leaves to expose a few nodes. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Maintain consistent moisture and provide indirect light until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months. Once rooted, the new Australian Mint Bush plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and planted in their permanent locations.
