River mint, or river mint

Latin name: Mentha australis. It is a true mint, and can be treated the same way in the garden.

Eating

• Very strong pennyroyal flavour.
• Use very sparingly.
• Best in savoury dishes in conjunction with other herbs and spices to round out flavours.
• Can be used in sweet dishes - again, in small quantities.

Growing

• Is a true mint, and requires good sun and water to survive.
• Is not as invasive as exotic mints, but can take over a section of garden if it has no other competition and the long, wiry stems may need cutting back every few years.
• Easily transplanted to new sections by finding a runner with roots.
• Seems to tolerate frost well as long as it has good sunlight and water.

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Mintbush

Latin name: Prostanthera spp. Prostanthera ovifolia is one of the best-flavoured. Note that not all prostantheras are edible, so check varieties first.

Eating

• Strong, “dark” minty flavour.
• Similar flavour profile as rosemary, and works very well as a substitute.
• Good with savoury dishes such as lamb.
• Excellent in a herb and/or spice mix, such as with salt or other herbs.
• Can be used fresh or dried.

Growing

• Very pretty medium-sized shrub with purple flowers that responds well to pruning; readily available in nurseries as a result.
• Do well in cool climate and frosty areas.
• Frost tolerant even while young.
• Hedge extremely well and appreciate being lightly pruned to keep in shape.
• If not pruned, can get very sprawling over the years.