Alpine Mint Bush

Alpine Mint Bush (Prostanthera cuneata) is an Australian native from the high ranges of New South Wales and Victoria, a bushy, spreading shrub 50cm to 1.5m high and about 1m wide. Its tiny evergreen leaves smell of mint when crushed, and in summer and autumn it is covered in freckled white flowers that are lilac on the outside.

Why you'll love it

• A tough alpine native. It grows with snow gums in the high country, and tolerates frost and snow once established.
• Mint-scented foliage. Crush the tiny leaves for a sharp, aromatic hit that explains the common name.
• Nectar-rich flowers. Summer and autumn blooms feed bees and butterflies, which suits wildlife and cottage gardens.
• Spreads sideways. It usually grows wider than tall, which suits low hedges and borders.
• Responds well to pruning. A yearly trim after flowering keeps it dense and renews the growth.

Where it works best

Informal low hedge. Plant 80cm apart for a soft, billowing hedge of around 1m. Because it tends to grow sideways, it knits together well.

Mixed borders and cottage gardens. The small leaves and freckled flowers sit comfortably among perennials and other natives.

Feature shrub. A single plant beside a path or seat gives a mounded shape and fragrance you can reach.

Wildlife gardens. The nectar-rich flowers add summer and autumn food for pollinators.

Growing Alpine Mint Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Some shade from full summer sun is ideal. It copes with frost and snow once established, so cool temperate and warm temperate gardens suit it best. In hot, humid regions it is harder to keep, and afternoon shade and sharp drainage matter more than anything.

Soil. Free draining soil. In the wild it grows in light, sandy, stony soil on granite. On clay, raise the bed and work in coarse sand.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well until established, then give extra water in times of low rainfall. Feed with a controlled release native fertiliser once a year, after flowering.

Pruning. It grows quickly. Prune by about one third each year after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain the shape.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Alpine Mint Bush as tube stock: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once potted on or planted out. Plants travel upright. Plant them soon after they arrive in a spot with some summer shade, then mulch and water them in.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Australian native shrubs
• Plants for cool climates
• Fragrant plants for the garden
• Designing a native garden to attract wildlife

Common questions

How big does it get?

Between 50cm and 1.5m high and about 1m wide. It usually grows sideways rather than upright.

Does it cope with frost and snow?

Yes, once established. It grows naturally in the alpine country of New South Wales and Victoria.

When should I prune it?

Once a year straight after flowering. Take back about one third to encourage new growth and keep the shape.