Australian Cultivar Registration Authority

Description:
Photographer:

Prostanthera lasianthos 'Mint-Ice'

File Number

445

ACRA Field Book Number

-

Registration Date

20/10/1989

Application Received

01/01/1989

Family

Lamiaceae

Cultivar Name

Prostanthera lasianthos 'Mint-Ice'

Origin

Prostanthera 'Mint-Ice' is a variegated form of Prostanthera lasianthos which arose on the property of Dr Graeme Downe along the Mt Dandenong Road, Sassafras. The name refers to the pale green to white variegation of the leaves, which the applicant states is "suggestive of mint ice-cream". The cultivar was received in January 1989. Registration was applied for by Dr G Downe of Narre Warren North.

Characteristics

The cultivar has the same general morphology as for the species. It has grown to 2m x 1.5m since it was first selected in 1984. The differences are that P. lasianthos 'Mint-Ice' has leaves with formal white variegation around the borders of the leaves. The leaf blades are irregularly variegated from pale green to white. The percentage of variegation on each leaf also differs, with some being almost totally white to just the leaf margin variegation. The plant is more compact than usual and the leaves slightly smaller. No reversion of the variegation has been noted in five years. The racemes of white flowers are more compact than usual. Diagnosis: This plant is easily distinguished by the leaf variegation, with the smaller than average leaves and more compact racemes being the secondary considerations.

Cultivation

The cultural requirements are the same as for the taxon. Adaptable to a wide range of soils, it does appreciate moist but not wet sites in full sun to partially shaded situations. Being a variegated form it is likely to be a slower growing plant than normal plants and also may not reach the more usual dimensions. This can be noted from the five year growth rate recorded above

Publication

Angus Stewart, Gardening on the Wildside in Australian Plants, June 1996, Vol 18(147) 295;;Elliot, W.R. & Jones, D.L. (2002), Encyclopaedia of Australian plants suitable for cultivation 8: 28

Colour Coding

RHS Colour Chart 1966yellow leaves: yellow group 4Dgreen on leaves: yellow green group 146D

Propagation

Cuttings from semi-firm new growth

Applicant Name

Dr G Downe

Uses

As part of a mass planting or mixed in a shrubbery, or as a feature plant.

Availability

Specialist native plant nurseries

ANBG Accession Numbers

ACC445

NSL ID

-