Elsholtzia stauntonii (Mint Bush) seeds

Fabulous small shrub from northern Chile perfect for adding autumn interest to your garden. Has narrow, lance shaped, mint scented leaves which turn red in autumn and bears large panicles of purplish-pink flowers up to 20cms long from August well into autumn. An unusual shrub which is hardy to about -10C and if it is cut down by a harsh winter, will produce a new crop of flowering stems the following spring.

Hardy Shrub
Flowers: August to autumn
Height and spread: 1.5m
Position: Sun

Packet of 50 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Pre-Sowing Treatment: Soak in cold water for 24 hours, drain, then sow immediately.

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year, very thinly on the surface of a moist seed compost, eg. John Innes in pots or trays. Do not cover the seed.  Seal in a polythene bag and place in the fridge or other cold place between 2-5C for 4 weeks. Then, move to a propagator or warm place and maintain an optimum temperature of 18-20C. Germination can be slow and erratic but should occur after 30-90 days. As the seedlings emerge, gradually increase ventilation by opening the bag or propagator vents. Note: as germination can be erratic, sow very thinly and prick out the seedlings as they grow large enough, disturbing the rest of the compost as little as possible.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 9cm pots. Grow on in cooler conditions (about 13-15C) with plenty of light, but shaded from direct sun and overwinter, if necessary, at about 5C. When established, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and grow on until mature enough to be planted out in the garden in a sunny position.