Elsholtzia stauntonii

Chinese Mint Shrub

Location

At the back of the border on the east side of the Tennis Court Garden.

Description:

An interesting hardy shrub, native to Northern China, growing to 1.5m x 2.0m (4 ft x 6ft). Lilac-purple flower spikes in early-mid autumn sit above light green, deeply-veined leaves that give off a minty smell when crushed and turn red in late autumn.

Site and Care:

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil, of any type, in full sun. Prune in late winter before new growth appears. May be cut to the ground in late winter each year and grown as an herbaceous perennial in somewhat the same manner as buddleia. Propagation is easy from seed but cuttings taken in late spring early summer will succeed under mist.