© Stan Shebs, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Condea spp.
Bushmint
Warm Americas, from the southwestern United States to South America
Overview
Condea spp. is a genus of aromatic herbs, subshrubs, and shrubs in the mint family (Lamiaceae), holding roughly 40 species that were until recently placed in Hyptis spp.. The genus is native to the warmer parts of the Americas, from the southwestern United States and Mexico through Central America to South America. Across the genus, plants range from low subshrubs about 1 foot (30 cm) tall to woody shrubs near 10 feet (3 m), with many species in the 2 to 6 foot (0.6 to 1.8 m) range and a spread of 2 to 5 feet (0.6 to 1.5 m). Stems are square in cross section, and the small opposite leaves are usually grey-green and felted with hairs, releasing a sharp, aromatic scent when bruised. Flowers are small, two-lipped, and borne in tight clusters, ranging from white through pale blue to violet across the species. Many species grow in dry, open scrub and desert washes on freely draining soils and tolerate heat and drought; the desert species C. emoryi is a familiar grey-leaved shrub of the southwestern deserts. Most are frost-sensitive, and some shorter-lived kinds behave as soft-wooded subshrubs.
Native Range
Native to the warmer Americas, from the southwestern United States and Mexico through Central America to tropical and subtropical South America.Suggested Uses
Grown in dry-climate and desert gardens, in pollinator and native plantings, and as informal aromatic shrubs on hot, well-drained banks. The scented foliage suits xeriscape and habitat plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 10'
Width/Spread2' - 5'
Bloom Information
Flowering is concentrated in spring and summer in most species, with some desert kinds flowering over a longer season after rain. The small two-lipped flowers open in tight axillary clusters. Bloom color runs from white through pale blue to violet across the genus.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, pale blue, to violetFoliage Description
Grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Most species grow in full sun on dry, freely draining sandy or rocky soil with pH from 6.5 to 8.0. Water needs are low, and established plants tolerate heat and drought. Most kinds are frost-sensitive, hardy in roughly USDA zones 8 to 11. Light pruning after flowering keeps subshrub forms compact. Soft-wooded species are often short-lived and renewed from cuttings or seed.Pruning
A light trim after the main flush of bloom keeps growth dense and tidy. Frost-damaged stems are cut back to live wood in spring. Older subshrubs can be cut hard to renew them from the base.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons