Ziziphora clinopodioides, known also as “Blue Mint Bush”

This delicate plant, part of the mint family, Lamiaceae, is native only to one place in Israel: Mount Hermon in the north. It grows naturally in high-altitude Mediterranean habitats and blooms during the hot summer months of July and August.

Ziziphora clinopodioides photo (c) Flora of Israel

The seeds arrived at the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but despite several attempts, we couldn’t get them to germinate in our nursery. Eventually, we sent them to a specialist nursery called “Hishtil” that propagates herbs and other plants and sends them to many countries in the world. The seeds finally germinated and the young plants made their way back to us and are now growing in the Gardens.

Crush a leaf between your fingers and you’ll discover its wonderful minty scent. It's also lovely in herbal tea.