Balm Mint Bush / Prostanthera melissifolia (Native Mint) seeds

Balm Mint Bush / Prostanthera melissifolia

A beautifully scented native shrub with masses of soft mauve flowers, perfect for cottage gardens, native landscapes, and attracting pollinators.

Quick Facts

• Height: 1–2 m

• Flowering Time: Spring to early summer

• Flower Color: Pale mauve to soft purple with darker markings

• Climate: Frost-tolerant once established; prefers temperate to cool climates

• Soil: Moist, well-drained loam or sandy soils enriched with organic matter

• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy perennial shrub with aromatic foliage

Why Grow Prostanthera melissifolia?

Balm Mint Bush is prized for its delightfully fragrant leaves and stunning floral display. When in bloom, it becomes covered in soft purple flowers that attract bees and beneficial insects. Its lush, mint-scented foliage makes it a sensory delight in the garden, especially when brushed past on pathways.

Ideal for mixed borders, native gardens, or as a feature shrub, this hardy plant thrives in well-drained soils and tolerates light frosts once established. It responds well to pruning, helping maintain a compact, tidy shape.

Bush Food Note

Edible Parts: Leaves
Uses: The aromatic leaves can be used sparingly as a bush herb, similar to mint or oregano, to flavour teas or savoury dishes. Use in moderation due to the strong flavour.

Bush Medicine Note

Traditionally, some Prostanthera species have been used for their aromatic properties.

Important Medicinal Warning: Please consult a healthcare professional before using this plant for medicinal purposes. The information provided is for educational purposes only.

How to Grow

Sowing Instructions:

Seed Preparation: No scarification required, though fresh seed improves germination success.
Sowing: Use a quality native seed-raising mix. Sow seeds on the surface and lightly press into the soil without covering too deeply.
Watering: Mist gently to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Position: Place in a bright, warm position (18–22°C) with indirect sunlight.

Germination Time: 2–4 weeks (may be irregular).

Planting and Care:

Transplanting: When seedlings develop several true leaves, transplant carefully into pots or into the garden in a sunny to partly shaded, well-drained position.
Watering: Keep moist during establishment. Once established, water during extended dry periods.
Pruning: Lightly prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth and more blooms next season.

Uses in Your Garden

• Ornamental: Provides masses of soft purple flowers in spring.

• Wildlife Support: Attracts bees and beneficial insects.

• Fragrant Feature: Ideal near paths or seating areas where foliage scent can be enjoyed.

• Screen or Border Plant: Great for informal hedging or mixed shrub borders.

Germination Tips

• Light: Seeds benefit from light for germination — do not bury deeply.

• Temperature: Maintain 18–22°C for best results.

• Moisture: Keep evenly moist but never waterlogged.

• Patience: Germination can be irregular — don’t discard trays too soon.

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Add the fragrant charm and stunning spring colour of Balm Mint Bush to your garden. Prostanthera melissifolia is a beautiful, pollinator-friendly native shrub that brings scent, softness, and seasonal beauty to any landscape. Plant yours today!