Victorian Christmas Bush
A large shrub to small tree, with its fragrant flowers is commonly called the Victorian Christmas Bush.
An interesting species in that is one of the mint bush or Lamiaceae family, in fact the largest growing of this group.
It is found growing as an understory shrub in forests from Tasmania, through Victoria and New South Wales to parts of southern Queensland.
The foliage has the characteristic minty menthol fragrance when rubbed, the flowers a sweeter minty perfume.
In its natural habitat this is a tree that can reach over 4 metres in height, however usually less.
Although it is a plant that will grow in full sun, it is at its best in dappled shade. This is mostly a white flowering species that flowers much later than the other mint bushes. It will withstand frosts, however is best in a position protected from strong winds.
Pink flowering varieties can be found however are rare in cultivation. All flowers tend to have pink markings in the throat.
The common name of Victorian Christmas Bush comes from the fact that this is when it flowers around Melbourne, especially in the Dandenong Ranges.
Propagation is from cuttings or from seed.