Victorian Christmas bush

Prostanthera lasianthos is the largest of our native mint bushes and has the widest distribution. It ranges from southern Queensland down to Tasmania from coastal to sub-alpine altitudes and grows from 2 m in exposed mountain sites to at least 10 m high. It is best known as a tall, graceful forest shrub about 5 m high, and is popular also in the gardens of native plant lovers (mine!).

When not in flower, it can be detected by its menthol fragrance when touched; though sometimes strong, it is more pleasant than the scent of some other native mint bushes. Flowers appear in profuse sprays and are about 2 cm long, white or pale lilac, with purple and orange blotches in the throat. They appear in late spring and summer, and specifically around Christmas time in Victoria, hence the common name. The fragrant, toothed leaves are 4 to 12 cm long and about 1.5 cm wide.