Prostanthera ovalifolia - An erect evergreen shrub with a soft-texture that grows 8-12 feet tall by 6-8 feet wide. The oval leaves are pleasantly aromatic and the tubular purple flowers abundantly bloom above the foliage on branched stalks in the spring.
Plant in sun or part shade with regular watering. Tolerates a wind range of soil types. Hardy to hard frost and temperatures down to around 20°. A good fast growing screening plant. A regular annual pruning keeps plant tighter. Will wilt when dry but recovers well after irrigation so this plant can be used for indicating when the garden is dry.
Prostanthera ovalifolia comes from inland areas of New South Wales and southern Queensland. The name for the genus comes from the Greek words 'prostheke' meaning "an appendix" and 'anthera' meaning an "anther" in reference to the appendage on the stamens. The specific epithet refers to the rounded oval leaves.
The information about Prostanthera ovalifolia displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |