Spiked Mint-Bush
(Prostanthera phylicifolia)
Spiked Mint-Bush (Prostanthera phylicifolia)
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Don & Betty Wood - Modificado y subido por Philmarin
CC BY-SA 2.5
Image By:
Don & Betty Wood - Modificado y subido por Philmarin
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.5
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Don & Betty Wood - Modificado y subido por Philmarin | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.5 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5 | Uploader: Philmarin | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Prost.phylicifolia-atlas-wood-1.jpg | Notes: {{Information |description={{en|Scarlet Sugarbush (''Protea effusa'')}} |date=2012-07-01 |source=https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/15129016 |author=[https://www.inaturalist.org/users/383144 Tony Rebelo] |permission











Estimated Native Range
Summary
Prostanthera phylicifolia, commonly known as Spiked Mint-Bush, is an evergreen shrub native to the sclerophyll forests and coastal heathlands of Eastern Australia. This species typically grows to a height of 0.5–2 m (1 ft 8 in – 6 ft 7 in) and features four-ridged, slightly aromatic branches. The leaves are narrow egg-shaped to oval, measuring 5–15 mm (0.20–0.59 in) long and 1.5–4 mm (0.059–0.157 in) wide, attached to a petiole up to 1 mm (0.039 in) long. The white or pale lilac flowers are showy, with purple and yellow spots, and are arranged near the ends of the branchlets. Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer, adding ornamental value to the garden.
The Spiked Mint-Bush is valued for its aromatic foliage and attractive, tubular flowers that attract pollinators such as bees. It is used in cultivation for border planting, as a feature shrub, and in native plant gardens. Prostanthera phylicifolia thrives in full sun or part shade and prefers well-drained soils, though it can tolerate medium or slow-draining soils with adequate care. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages denser growth. While it generally requires medium to high amounts of water, established plants can tolerate short dry periods. It is relatively low maintenance but can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may be affected by foliar diseases in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Spiked Mint-Bush is valued for its aromatic foliage and attractive, tubular flowers that attract pollinators such as bees. It is used in cultivation for border planting, as a feature shrub, and in native plant gardens. Prostanthera phylicifolia thrives in full sun or part shade and prefers well-drained soils, though it can tolerate medium or slow-draining soils with adequate care. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages denser growth. While it generally requires medium to high amounts of water, established plants can tolerate short dry periods. It is relatively low maintenance but can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may be affected by foliar diseases in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Sclerophyll forests and coastal heathlands
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Prostanthera phylicifolia, Prostanthera pulchella,
GBIF Accepted Name: Prostanthera phylicifolia F.Muell.