Alpine Mint Bush

Alpine Mint Bush (Prostanthera cuneata) is a hardy evergreen shrub from the mountains of southeastern Australia, prized for both its ornamental beauty and aromatic, edible foliage. The leaves of Alpine Mint Bush can be used sparingly in cooking or teas, where they impart a strong, refreshing minty flavour.

Growing 3-5 feet tall, it forms a dense, rounded shape covered in small, glossy green leaves that release a refreshing minty scent when brushed or crushed.

In late spring to summer, the shrub is smothered in masses of white to pale lilac flowers, often spotted with purple, and reminiscent of small orchids, which attract bees and other pollinators.

Adapted to cool, alpine conditions, Alpine Mint Bush thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. It is frost tolerant, low maintenance once established, and can be clipped lightly to maintain shape or form a fragrant hedge.

With its year-round foliage, showy seasonal bloom, and culinary/herbal uses, it makes a useful addition to perennial gardens, herb plantings, and food forests where both beauty and resilience are valued.

Alpine Mint Bush is a low-growing, cold-hardy version of Australian Mint Bush. It is not a true mint (Mentha spp.) - it grows as a woody shrub and does not produce runners or underground rhizomes. 

Common names: Alpine Mint Bush, Australian Alpine Mint Bush, Mint Bush, Snow Mint Bush

Edible: Leaves and flowers
Harvest timing: Summer

Scientific name: Prostanthera cuneata
Light requirements: Full sun to part shade
Full-grown size: 3-5' tall and 3-5' wide
Hardiness: Zone 7b
Pollination: Cross-pollinated, but pollination not needed to harvest leaves
Wildlife: Attracts native bees 
Origin: Australia 
Noteworthy: Can be grown in pots. Evergreen.