Cup-leaf mountain mint Plant Care

Cup-leaf mountain mint (Pseudorontium cyathiferum) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Pseudorontium genus. Cup-leaf mountain mint is native to the deserts of northern Mexico and adjacent California and Arizona.

Cup-leaf mountain mint displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cup-leaf mountain mint produces small tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cup-leaf mountain 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.

Cup-leaf mountain mint thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cup-leaf mountain mint in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Pseudorontium cyathiferum tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Cup-leaf mountain mint prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Cup-leaf mountain mint to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cup-leaf mountain 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 bright indirect light and well-draining loamy soil with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cup-leaf mountain mint is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Cup-leaf mountain 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 Cup-leaf mountain 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.

Cup-leaf mountain mint is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cup-leaf mountain mint can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

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Cup-leaf mountain mint is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. 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.

Cup-leaf mountain mint grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cup-leaf mountain mint is native to the deserts of northern Mexico and adjacent California and Arizona. In cooler regions, grow Cup-leaf mountain mint as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.