Prostanthera aspalathoides, commonly known as the Red Mint Bush or Red Flowering Mint Bush, is a compact Australian native shrub with aromatic foliage and attractive red tubular flowers.
Widely found from north-western Victoria through to South Australia, this drought-tolerant shrub is well suited to native gardens and low-water landscapes. Its nectar-rich flowers attract birds and other pollinators, while the fragrant foliage makes it an excellent choice for sensory gardens.
The main flowering period is from spring through to summer, although spot flowering at other times of the year is also common under favourable conditions.
Red Mint Bush Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Prostanthera aspalathoides
- Common Names: Red Mint Bush, Red Flowering Mint Bush
- Plant Type: Evergreen Australian native shrub
- Height: Around 80 cm
- Spread: Around 50 cm
- Flowers: Red to orange tubular flowers, with a yellow-flowering form also available
- Flowering: Spring to summer
- Foliage: Aromatic mid-green leaves
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Very well-drained soil
- Drought Tolerant: Yes, once established
- Frost Tolerant: Yes, once established
- Wildlife: Attracts nectar-feeding birds
Care and Growing Conditions
In a very well-drained soil and an open sunny position, this is an easy-care plant.
Like many Australian native shrubs, Prostanthera aspalathoides dislikes poorly drained soils and is best planted where excess water drains away quickly. Raised garden beds or naturally sandy and gravelly soils are ideal.
This is not a plant suited to humid conditions or tropical climates, where prolonged moisture and humidity can reduce its longevity.
Water regularly while the plant is becoming established. Once established it is drought tolerant and usually requires little supplementary watering except during extended dry periods.
Grafted varieties are also available, and these are often more adaptable to a wider range of garden conditions, making them suitable for cultivation beyond the plant’s natural range.
Pruning Red Mint Bush
Light pruning immediately after flowering will help maintain a compact, bushy shape and encourage fresh growth.
Hard pruning into older wood is not recommended, as with many other Mint Bush (Prostanthera) varieties, as plants may not regenerate readily from old stems.
Uses in the Garden
Red Mint Bush is ideal for:
- Native gardens
- Rockeries
- Gravel gardens
- Sensory gardens
- Bird-attracting landscapes
- Small garden borders
- Large containers with excellent drainage
Its combination of aromatic foliage, colourful flowers and compact growth habit makes it a rewarding Australian native shrub for low-maintenance gardens.
Why Grow Red Mint Bush?
Red Mint Bush is an easy-care Australian native that offers colourful flowers, aromatic foliage and excellent drought tolerance. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller gardens, while its bird-attracting flowers provide valuable nectar throughout the flowering season.
It is particularly well suited to native gardens, rockeries, gravel gardens and sensory plantings where the fragrant foliage can be appreciated.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Prostanthera aspalathoides
- Common Name – Red flowering mint bush
- Family – Lamiaceae
- Position – Full sun.
- Soil – Well drained.
- Height – To around .8 metres
- Spread – To around .5 metres
- Growth rate – Medium
- Foliage – Mid green.
- Flowers – Red to Orange with a yellow flowering form also available.
- Flowering time – Spring to summer.
- Frost tolerant – Yes once established
- Drought tolerant – Yes once established.
