Elsholtzia stauntonii
mint shrub
Overview
Elsholtzia stauntonii is a deciduous subshrub in the mint family, growing 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall and 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) wide with an upright, loosely branched habit. The lance-shaped leaves are 2–5 inches (5–13 cm) long with toothed margins and release a minty scent when crushed. New stems are square in cross-section, a trait of the mint family, and become woody only at the base. From late summer into autumn the plant carries one-sided flower spikes 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, packed with small tubular pink to lilac-purple flowers that open from the base upward. Flowering comes when many shrubs have finished, extending into October in mild seasons. The foliage and flowers are aromatic, and the spent spikes hold their shape into winter. The plant behaves like a herbaceous perennial in cold regions, with top growth dying back and resprouting from the base. It needs full sun and sharp drainage; in shade or wet soil the stems grow weak and flower sparsely.
Native Range
Elsholtzia stauntonii is native to northern China, where it grows on rocky slopes, in scrub, and on dry hillsides. It is adapted to continental climates with cold winters and warm summers.Suggested Uses
Elsholtzia stauntonii is used in mixed borders, gravel gardens, and pollinator plantings for its late bloom, spaced 36–48 inches (90–120 cm) apart. It combines with ornamental grasses and other late-flowering perennials. The minty foliage suits herb-themed and dry-garden settings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering begins in late summer and continues through autumn, roughly September to October. The tubular pink to lilac-purple flowers open from the base of each spike upward over several weeks. Bees and other pollinators visit the late flowers, and the dried spikes persist after the petals drop.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to lilac-purpleFoliage Description
Green to gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Elsholtzia stauntonii grows in full sun and well-drained soil of low to average fertility, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Sharp drainage matters most, as wet winter soil rots the crown. Once established the plant tolerates drought and poor ground, while overly rich soil produces soft growth that flops. It flowers on the current season's stems, so hard pruning in spring does not reduce bloom. In cold zones the top growth dies back and resprouts from the base each year. Little feeding is needed, and the aromatic foliage is seldom browsed by deer.Pruning
The stems can be cut back to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) in early spring before new growth begins, since flowers form on new wood. This keeps the subshrub compact and supports strong flowering stems. Leaving the old spikes through winter adds structure but delays the spring cutback until growth resumes.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