Mexican Oregano

Poliomintha longiflora, commonly called Mexican oregano or rosemary mint, is a bushy perennial that typically grows to 3-4’ tall and as wide in the southwestern U.S. but often shorter in other parts of the U.S. It is native to Mexico. This square-stemmed, bushy plant has smooth, shiny, oblong, aromatic, semi-evergreen leaves (1” long). Leaves are typically used as a culinary herb like oregano, producing a more robust flavor. Slender lavender-pink tubular flowers bloom in summer and fall.

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10 is best grown in rich, medium-moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It thrives in hot and humid climates and tolerates part shade. It also takes brief periods of drought. North of Zone 8, it may be grown in containers overwintered in sunny indoor windows.