How to Grow Pink Mint Bush

Pink Mint Bush

Prostanthera aspalathoides

shrub

Pink Mint Bush is a compact, aromatic Australian native shrub prized for its delicate pink flowers and minty-scented foliage. This evergreen shrub produces fragrant tubular flowers in spring and has fine, needle-like leaves that release a pleasant mint aroma when brushed. It is well-suited to container growing and drought-tolerant gardens once established.

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Example Pink Mint Bush timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Pink Mint Bush
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Pink Mint Bush
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pink Mint Bush dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to light shade, 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

💧

Water: Low to moderate water needs once established. Water deeply but infrequently; reduce watering in winter. Drought-tolerant but performs better with occasional deep watering during dry spells.

📏

Spacing: 24 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 18-24 months for mature flowering shrub

🌱

Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury stem

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly loam

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Coarse sand or gravel Perlite or pumice for drainage Minimal organic matter

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9b-11, preferring warm, frost-free climates

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

6-8 weeks

Young transplant with sparse foliage and developing root system

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for first 6-8 weeks. Protect from harsh winds and strong afternoon sun in hot climates. Avoid heavy fertilizing.

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Bushy mounding form develops with dense needle-like foliage, aromatic when touched

Maintain moderate watering as plant establishes. Light pruning to encourage branching. Reduce fertilizer; avoid high-nitrogen formulas that promote soft growth.

Flowering

4-8 weeks

Delicate pink tubular flowers appear along branches, typically in spring (Feb-April in Southern Hemisphere, March-May in Northern Hemisphere)

Do not fertilize during flowering. Maintain regular but light watering. Avoid pruning during flower production to maximize bloom display.

Mature Shrub

Ongoing

Fully-developed compact mounding shrub, 2-3 feet tall and wide, with established drought tolerance

Minimal supplemental watering except during extended droughts. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Rosemary Grevillea Westringia Salvia Santolina Catmint

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistent moisture Heavy clay-soil plants Humidity-loving species

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Improve air circulation.
Remove by hand on small plants; apply horticultural oil in dormant season or use insecticidal soap.
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if necessary.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects.

Uses

🍳

Minty Tea & Beverages

Culinary

The aromatic leaves can be used fresh or dried to make a fragrant herbal tea with a mild mint flavor. Combine with other herbs for specialty tea blends. [source]

🏠

Fragrant Dried Arrangements

Household

Dried stems and flowers retain their minty scent and make attractive additions to potpourri, dried flower arrangements, and decorative wreaths. [source]

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Aromatic & Respiratory Support

Medicinal

Traditional use in aromatherapy for its invigorating mint scent, which may support clear breathing and mental clarity when inhaled. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Nectar Source

Wildlife

Pink tubular flowers attract bees, butterflies, and native insects, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. [source]

🎨

Garden Ornamental & Fragrant Hedge

Craft

Compact size and attractive pink blooms make it ideal for ornamental gardens, containers, and low hedges in Mediterranean or drought-resistant landscapes. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Pink Mint Bush is grown for ornamental and aromatic purposes rather than harvest. Pinch or lightly prune stems as needed for fresh foliage to use fresh or dried in tea or potpourri. Best harvested in morning after dew dries. Cut just above leaf nodes to encourage branching.

Fun Facts

🌱 Pink Mint Bush is native to South Australia and derives its common name from the minty scent of its foliage, which is released when leaves are touched or brushed.
🌱 The genus Prostanthera includes over 90 species, many with aromatic foliage, and they are sometimes called 'mint bushes' by Australian gardeners.
🌱 This shrub is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal water compared to most ornamental shrubs, making it ideal for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun pH Transplant

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