Scrub Mint Plant Care

Scrub Mint (Dicerandra frutescens) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Dicerandra genus. Scrub Mint is native to Highlands County, Florida. Scrub Mint is also known as Florida Scrub Mint.

Scrub Mint displays a low mat-forming growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Scrub Mint produces small purple tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Scrub Mint every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Scrub Mint thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Dicerandra frutescens tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Scrub Mint prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Scrub Mint to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Scrub Mint every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Scrub Mint is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Scrub Mint can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Scrub Mint while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Scrub Mint is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Scrub Mint can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to florida false rosemary plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Scrub Mint is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Scrub Mint grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Scrub Mint is native to Highlands County, Florida. In cooler regions, grow Scrub Mint as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.