Prostanthera incisa, commonly known as cut-leaf mint-bush or native thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae and is endemic to south-eastern continental Australia. It is an erect, strongly aromatic, openly branched shrub with hairy, densely glandular branches, egg-shaped to oblong leaves, and pale mauve to mauve flowers.
Cut-leaf mint-bush has good resistance to disease and is generally not prone to it. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Cut-leaf mint-bush is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much gardening experience.
How to keep Prostanthera Incisa.
Light
Cut-leaf mint-bush is native to habitats such as forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, showing its adaptable, hardy nature.
Temperature
Cut-leaf mint-bush is highly adaptable to a range of climate conditions, handling both very hot summers and cold winters. Nevertheless, it has an ideal temperature range for healthy growth. If temperatures become too high, the plant can experience heat and humidity stress that may kill it. In locations where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, insulating measures should be used to protect the plant.
Fertilizer
Timing is important when fertilizing Cut-leaf mint-bush. Apply fertilizer in early spring and then monthly until early summer. The fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.
Pruning
The cut-leaf mint-bush is a hardy shrub that benefits from annual pruning in early spring. Pruning removes dead or weak growth, improves the plant's shape, enhances airflow, and stimulates blooming. By pruning regularly, you can prevent the plant from becoming leggy, ensuring it remains robust and well-formed.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Prostanthera
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-11
- Mature Height
- 0.91 m to 2.13 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.91 m to 1.52 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Lavender, White
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
- Bloom Time
- Spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Summer, Early fall
Other names.
