Colquhounia coccinea

Colquhounia coccinea, sometimes called Himalayan mint or Himalayan bush mint, is a highly ornamental aromatic plant, but rarely cultivated, perhaps due to its low hardiness, which still allows it to regrow from the stump after enduring -8°C (17.6°F). It forms a spreading and abundantly leafy bush, about 2 to 3m (7 to 10ft) in all directions. It comes alive in late summer and autumn with small tubular orange or red flowers, streaked with yellow at the throat. They create a superb contrast with the grey-green and velvety foliage. Evergreen in mild climates, it prefers well-drained soils, even dry in summer, and a warm and sheltered position, in full sun or partial shade.

Colquhounia coccinea is a bushy plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, just like mint, thyme, and sage. It originates from subtropical regions of Asia, southwestern China, the Himalayas, down to Malaysia. While it can reach over 3m (10ft) in all directions in its native habitat, it remains more modest in size in our climates, around 1 to 2.5m (3 to 8ft). This bush, as wide as it is tall, is composed of quadrangular stems carrying pairs of large, opposite, aromatic leaves, with a velvety appearance, measuring 3 to 12cm (1 to 5in) long and 1 to 6cm (0.4 to 2in) wide, with finely toothed edges. When crushed, they release a fragrance reminiscent of pineapple. The flowering takes place from August to October, in the form of small tubular flowers with two lips, 2cm (1in) long. The flowers are brightly coloured, and arranged in spikes emerging from the axils of the leaves located at the ends of the branches. The corolla is red, sometimes pink, with a throat streaked with small yellow flames. The flowers are extremely popular with bees. 

In nature, Himalayan mint grows in well-drained soils, under a warm temperate climate of subtropical type. It is above all a beautiful plant for the back of flower beds, forming a backdrop that attracts and holds attention in the garden. In mild climates, it can be paired with sturdy perennial plants or shrubs that complement its beautiful foliage, such as Buddleia officinalis, Salvia guaranitica, Gaura, large wormwood, or a spectacular and sculptural grass like Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' or Cortaderia selloana 'Rosea'. Tall sedums (Sedum 'Matrona'), shrubby potentillas, and tall autumn asters (Aster turbinellus, Aster laevis, Kalimeris mongolica) will also create a charming tableau in autumn alongside it. If your garden is located in a borderline zone for its hardiness, you can try growing it against a south-facing wall. On the terrace, plant it in a very large pot, so you can store it indoors during severe frosts.