Prostanthera ovalifolia, commonly known as Purple Mintbush, is an evergreen shrub native to the understory of dry sclerophyll forests and woodland areas in Eastern Australia. It is characterized by its erect habit and egg-shaped leaves, which are aromatic when crushed. The Purple Mintbush typically grows to a height of 1–4 m (3 ft 3 in – 13 ft 1 in) and has stems that are square in cross-section and moderately hairy. The leaves are arranged opposite each other along the stems, adding to the dense appearance of the shrub. The flowers are a standout feature, with their mauve to deep blue-purple petals fused into a tube 6–18 mm (0.24–0.71 in) long, and are arranged in groups at the ends of branchlets. Flowering occurs from late winter to early summer (August to November), and the flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Purple Mintbush is valued for its vibrant flowers and aromatic foliage, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens. It is often used in border planting, as a feature shrub, and for aromatic gardens. The plant is relatively easy to maintain, requiring pruning back by about one-third annually to retain its bushy shape and promote vigorous growth. It thrives in well-drained soils, prefers some protection from the harsh afternoon sun, and requires medium amounts of water. While it does best in full sun to part shade, it can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. Purple Mintbush is not known for having significant disease problems, but it can be affected by root rot if planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0