Prostanthera cineolifera
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Prostanthera cineolifera is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.8
Where it is found
Sandstone hills.
Australia - New South Wales.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
An infusion of the plant is used in the treatment of headaches, colds and influenza.
Other
Rating:
The plant repels flies.
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed in Britain. It is hardy to at least -7°c in Australian gardens though this cannot be translated directly to British gardens due to our cooler summers and longer colder and wetter winters. It is a very aromatic plant that is worth trying out in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a sunny position in a well drained soil and does not thrive on shallow chalky soils. A short-lived plant, but it can be grafted onto the roots of Westringia fruticosa which allows them to be grown in less favourable conditions and also probably increases their life span.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse.The seed usually germinates within a few weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed remains viable for 2 - 3 years in normal storage. Cuttings of soft-wood in early summer in a frame. They root readily. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist