The Desert mint is a sprawling perennial herb that is mostly native to sagebrush scrub, yellow pine forest and lodgepole pine forest plant communities of California. It has distinctive whorl-like flowers ranging in color from white to purple; long leaves and highly fragrant foliage when crushed. Like most perennial plants, this species can be grown in ornamental gardens to enjoy the seasonal display of color and attraction to birds and butterflies. It is a short-lived species that provides good landscape value for 2-3 years.
Desert mint is adapted to sunny and warm planting spaces in the Inland Empire where it can be sustained with low amounts of summer water. It is easily combined with monkey flower, penstemon, buckwheat and sage for a colorful and diverse hummingbird and butterfly garden. Loam soils and periodic summer water helps achieve the most attractive foliage character and flowering performance.
