Description
Form: Herb.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen but drought-deciduous. Dies to the ground in freezes.
Growth rate: Moderate to rapid.
Mature Size: 3-4' (90-120cm) high and 2-3' (60-90cm) wide.
Flowers: Red to orange, narrow, tubular, with a narrow lower lip and horizontal upper lip, on terminal spikes, edible.
Bloom: Spring into fall or fall into spring, depending on local climate.
Fruit: Up to four tiny seeds at the base of each dried flower.
Leaves: Green, ovate, serrated margins, softly fuzzy, pineapple-scented, especially when crushed, edible.
Stems: Square cross-section, stiff, upright.
Roots: Spreads by rhizomes. Somewhat invasive.
Wildlife: The flowers attract medium to large butterflies and hummingbirds. The foliage may be browsed by mammals.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Mexico and Guatemala, in mountains at forest edges.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 8-11.
Heat tolerant: Yes, with afternoon shade in the hottest part of the year.
Drought tolerant: Once established, this plant can go without water 2-4 weeks.
Sun: Full sun with afternoon shade to part shade all day.
Soil: Very well draining, slightly moist to dry, pH 6.1-8.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline).
Water once established: In full sun, weekly to twice a week. In part shade, once or twice a month. Leaf drop signals insufficient water. This plant does best in raised garden beds because wet soil induces root rot.
Mulch: Apply organic mulch over the root area to avoid temperature extremes and to retain soil moisture.
Planting: This plant can be grown in containers and brought indoors in regions with winter freezes.
Prune: Cut to the ground at the start of winter if freezes are expected.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Tip cuttings in spring, or seed, no more than one year old, potted indoors and transplanted outdoors when well developed.
Uses: Ornamental, wildlife garden, culinary. The fresh leaves are used for tea, the flowers are used in salads for color. For other culinary mint plants, see Low Water Culinary Herbs.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). If not available as a potted herb, it can be purchased as seed. The butterflies are a southern dogface and a giant swallowtail.

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