Illustrative photo.
Elsholtzia stauntonii Chinese mint shrub
size/type
medium-sized shrub
usual height
0,8-1,3m
usual width
0,8-1,3m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
September-October
location
full sun
soil type
neutral
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
7 (down to -23°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant
Mint shrub is a small plant from China which is grown mainly for its very late flowers that come out at the very end of growing season – in September and October. They are 10-20 cm long spikes of rich lilac-pink colour. Leaves are deciduous, narrowly lanceolate, marginally serrated, rich green in summer and deep burgundy red in autumn. They have an interesting, mint-like fragrance when crushed.
Growing conditions and care
Mint shrub is best grown similarly like bluebeard. Cut it back in early spring to 5-7 cm of previous year’s growths. It does need full sun, warm soil, and well-drained, fertile soil. As a woody shrub it is hardy to about -24°C (USDA zone 6), and the roots can withstand frost down to about -28°C (USDA zone 5).
Last update: 17-01-2013
