Prostanthera nivea var. induta (Snowy mint bush)

Botanical name

Prostanthera nivea var. induta

Other names

Snowy mint bush, Snowy mintbush, Lilac mint bush

Genus

Prostanthera Prostanthera

Species

P. nivea var. induta - P. nivea var. induta is a tender, bushy, erect then spreading, evergreen shrub with square stems bearing linear to narrowly lance-shaped, grey-green leaves and racemes of bell-shaped, pale to dark lilac flowers from spring to early summer.

Native to

Australia

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Erect, Spreading

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Colour

Flower

Lilac in Spring; Lilac in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Red spider mite (box and other)

General care

Pruning

Prune after flowering, but take care as hard pruning may damage the plant.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Prostanthera nivea var. induta (Snowy mint bush) will reach a height of 3m and a spread of 2m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

City, Conservatory, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Greenhouse, Mediterranean, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Grow under glass in loam-based compost in full light. In growth, water moderately & feed monthly. Outdoors in frost-free areas, grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor unheated (H2), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Prostanthera nivea var. induta (Snowy mint bush)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/