PLANT OF THE WEEK

PROSTANTHERA LASIANTHOS

THIS lovely shrub is known as the Victorian Christmas bush. If you found yourself in Australia, in the state of Victoria, it would be flowering right now. We’ll have to wait until our summer to admire this shrub, also known as the Australian mint bush. It is hardy in coastal or milder areas in the UK but can be killed off by a hard frost of more than minus 5C, so for full protection, a conservatory would be best. In blossom, it’s covered in lots of scented white flowers with a pretty purple and yellow throat, and the foliage is aromatic as well. Happy in a pot or container, it’ll grow to around a metre in height.