new zealand mint plant

What is the New Zealand Mint Plant?

Often, when people search for “New Zealand mint plant,” they’re interested in hardy, evergreen shrubs that feature mint-like leaves, alongside the well-loved culinary mint herb (Mentha). In New Zealand nurseries, varieties with “mint” in their name, like Griselinia 'Broadway Mint', are popular for their glossy green foliage and robust growth. This is very different from the standard Mint Plant, which flourishes as a perennial herb and is famous for its fragrant leaves ideal for teas, cooking, and cocktails.

In addition, Kiwi gardeners also adore native mint bush plants such as the Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant). Though not actually a mint, this Australian native shrub is prized for its aromatic leaves and vibrant purple flowers, making it a striking choice alongside your other shrubs.

Choosing the Right Mint Plant for Your Garden

If you’re looking for the culinary herb to use in the kitchen, the Mint Plant is the perfect choice. It thrives in containers, garden beds, and shady spots, spreading easily and providing a continual supply of leaves for drinks, desserts, and savoury dishes.

For hedges and backdrop plantings, New Zealand gardeners favour Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'. Its upright growth, glossy foliage, and tolerance for coastal conditions make it ideal for shelter and privacy. Likewise, Griselinia 'Canterbury' offers similar “minty” green colour and is excellent for screening and decorative planting.

If you’re hunting for unique foliage, Liriope 'Franklin Mint' brings grass-like foliage and beautiful blue-purple flower spikes, useful for borders and underplanting. For aromatic gardens, the Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant) creates interest with scented leaves and colourful blooms.

Growing and Using Mint Plants in New Zealand

Mint plants, whether culinary or ornamental, thrive in well-drained soil and partly shaded to sunny positions. Most, like Mint Plant, prefer regular watering and protection from extreme heat. Griselinias, such as Griselinia 'Broadway Mint', are tough and resilient, perfect for demanding New Zealand conditions including strong winds and salt spray.

Whether you’re growing mint to pick for the kitchen or as a lush, evergreen hedge, you can mix and match varieties for colour, scent, and structure. Add Liriope 'Franklin Mint' for contrast and texture, or use Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant) for seasonal fragrance.

Discover Your Mint Plant

Explore the diverse range of mint plants and mint-like shrubs in New Zealand, including standout varieties like Griselinia 'Broadway Mint', Mint Plant, Liriope 'Franklin Mint', Griselinia 'Canterbury', and Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant). With so many options, it’s easy to find the perfect New Zealand mint plant to suit your garden’s needs and your sense of style.