This shrub has a short trunk with branches covered in soft hairs and forms an open rounded habit. The rounded grey green leaves smell of mint and the showy blue to mauve lipped flowers appear in a cluster from early to mid-spring.

Hardiness zones 7 to 11

Prostanthera ovalifolia is naturally found in Australia growing in coastal and the tableland regions from Queensland to Victoria. It grows in a protected semi shaded position and tolerates most well drained moderately fertile sandy-stony soils with reliable moisture and is moderately drought, frost and lime tolerant.

The Purple Mint Bush is grown for its flowers and its upright bushy habit. It is planted in small or native gardens along borders for screening or can be trimmed to form an informal hedge. It is also grown in planter boxes and is used as a nurse shrub for larger plants. It establishes in 1 to 2 years and is moderately long lived. 

Prostanthera (pros-TAN-ther-ah) ovalifolia (ō-vah-li-FO-lee-a)

'Prostanthera': from Greek prosthese + anthera - appendage & anther (refers to the spur-like appendage on the anther); 'ovalifolia': oval leaves.

Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee) 
(Labiatae)
Mint Family