The mint family or Lamiaceae (Labiatae) is a family with at least 180 genera and
more than 3,500 different species. Although there is representation throughout the world the primary concentration is in the Mediterranean region. The family is characterized by stems that are square in the cross section, opposite 4-ranked leaves that are often aromatic, irregular 2 lipped flowers arranged in false whorls (verticillasters), and fruit of 4 one seeded nutlets.
Common genera in cultivation include Agastache, Ajuga, Ballota, Coleus, Lamium, Lavandula, Leonotis, Lepechinia, Marrubium, Melissa, Mentha, Monarda, Monardella, Nepeta, Ocimum, Originum, Perovskia, Phlomis, Physostegia, Plectranthus,
Prostanthera, Prunella, Rosmarinus, Salvia, Satureja, Sideritis, Stachys,
Teucrium, Thymus, Trichostema and Westringia.
The following are some of the mints that we currently grow at San Marcos Growers. Look for this page to be expanding for a long time to come.
Lavender |
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Lavandula species and cultivars at San Marcos Growers. We love our very different collection of Lavenders and there's one
for nearly every situation in your garden.
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Phlomis |
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Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa) is well known but take a look at these other very fine Phlomis species. This group
of dry growing mediterranean shrubs is often overlooked.
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Rosemary |
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There are many cultivars of Rosmarinus officinalis; some are groundcovers and others large shrubs. Another surprise is
the range of flower colors available from white to pink to many shades of blue. |
Sage |
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The Salvia at San Marcos Growers. With over 900 species and numerous cultivars and hybrids, it's no
surprise that the sages are one of the hottest groups of plants in horticulture. Take a look at some of our Sages. |
Westringia |
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These Australian Mint Bushes are great plants in the California Garden. |
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