Browse plants / Lamiaceae
River mint Mentha australis
Also called Native mint
When it flowers
- January, flowering
- February, flowering
- March, not flowering
- April, not flowering
- May, not flowering
- June, not flowering
- July, not flowering
- August, not flowering
- September, not flowering
- October, flowering
- November, flowering
- December, flowering
Spreading native mint with a strong spearmint scent, for damp spots and the kitchen.
A low, spreading herb from creek banks across eastern and southern Australia. Its leaves have a strong, fresh mint flavour, and small white to lilac flowers appear in spring and summer. Spreads by runners in moist soil.
In the garden
- Attracts
- Pollinating insects and butterflies
- Flowers
- Small white to pale lilac flowers in clusters.
- Leaves
- Narrow, soft green leaves with a strong spearmint scent.
Bush food
Use the leaves fresh or dried like garden mint, in tea, sauces and salads.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Sandy, loam and clay
- Drainage
- Copes with waterlogging
- Frost
- Moderate frost
- Water
- Needs regular water
- Climate
- Subtropical, temperate and cool and alpine
Planting and care
- Grown from
- Cuttings and division
Planting
Part shade in moist soil, or a pot that won't dry out. Spreads, so contain it in small beds.
Pruning
Cut back hard in late winter and pick often.
Care
Keep moist; it wilts quickly in dry soil.
Where it comes from
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Order
- Lamiales
- Native to
- ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria
- Natural range
- Creek banks and damp ground of eastern and southern Australia.
Where to buy
Specialist native nurseries.
We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.
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Further reading
- Mentha australis on the Atlas of Living Australia (Atlas of Living Australia)
Native nurseries near you
An independent list of nurseries that specialise in Australian native plants. Nobody pays to be on it. Distances are approximate and in a straight line. Opening hours and stock vary, so check before you go.