Elsholtzia stauntonii - CHINESE MINT SHRUB

Very late blooming subshrub with woody base. Mauve to lilac-purple spikes of small flowers attracts bumblebees, some native bees and honeybees. Leaves release minty aroma, especially when rubbed so deer and rabbits avoid it.

In cooler zones (zone 4, 5) is usually treated as perennial and is cut back to the ground in early spring.

Can be used for minty teas, with the hint of citrus and cumin it also also works in Asian wok dishes and soups. In Japan is used as a cure for hangovers. With several other species of this genus is used for treating cold, headaches, fever, diarrhea, digestion disorders, rheumatic arthritis etc. (in China).

Blooming Time: September-October
Size: usually about 4-4.5' tall x 3-4' wide (in colder zones however will reach only 2.5')
USDA Zones: 4 to 8
Culture: full sun, half sun, quite adaptable to soil conditions, but prefers somewhat rich and drained soils. Average, loamy soils.
Moisture Needs: medium (average),medium-dry, medium is the best, but established plants tolerate some droughts
Origin: China, originates on open slopes, ravines, dry hillsides
Black Walnut Tolerant: not verified yet
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes / yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: just like any other Mint family plant, this is quite a pollinator magnet, important for late late blooming
Attracts Hummingbirds: no
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 4" deep perennial pot
Plant combinations: Flower beds in sun, cottage gardens, eclectic gardens, deer resistant plantings, naturalistic gardens, pollinator gardens, herb gardens.

Can be combined with most common perennials that prefer a bit drier conditions (or drained soils), meets with other late blooming flowers like late asters, fall Chrysanthemums, Japanese Anemones or Perovskia and grasses

Picture copyright: 1- Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Commons Wikimedia, 2 - Hubert Śmietanka, Commons Wikimedia,