Rare Bonsai Mint with Sculptural Trunks and Lavender Flowers

A Rare Bonsai Mint with Tiny Lavender Flowers

This is the exact tree shown in the photos.

You do not see these very often. In fact, I think this may be the first Bonsai Mint we have ever offered at the nursery.

Bonsai Mint is the common name for Plectranthus ernstii, a semi-succulent member of the mint family native to South Africa. It naturally develops swollen, jointed stems that look like miniature tree trunks. This one has several thick trunks, established woody branches, and a lot of character packed into a small tree.

Be sure to look closely at the little flowers. Small pale-lavender flowers are appearing around the canopy, with additional buds still developing. The flowers are delicate and easy to miss, but they are a great contrast against the thick trunks and rounded green leaves.

The foliage is slightly fleshy, softly textured, and aromatic when touched. The tree measures 10" tall with a 13" spread and is planted in a 7" blue-glazed ceramic bonsai pot.

This is a fun and unusual tree for someone who already has the traditional bonsai species and wants something completely different.

Tree Details

Common Name: Bonsai Mint or Bonsai Spurflower
Botanical Name: Plectranthus ernstii
Plant Family: Lamiaceae—the mint family
Native Range: Eastern Cape to southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Growth Habit: Frost-tender, semi-succulent subshrub
Height: 10" from the table to the apex
Spread: 13"
Current Pot: 7" blue-glazed ceramic bonsai pot
Flowers: Small pale-lavender flowers and developing buds visible when photographed
Nursery Note: This may be the first Bonsai Mint offered at our nursery
Photographed: August 9, 2026
Ships From: Massachusetts
Availability: One tree only—the exact tree shown

Flowering and Seasonal Interest

Bonsai Mint can produce small, two-lipped flowers on slender spikes during the growing season. This tree was actively flowering when photographed, with pale-lavender blooms appearing in several areas of the canopy.

The swollen stems, scalloped aromatic leaves, and delicate flowers give the plant interest even when it is not being displayed as a traditional bonsai.

Photography Note

This tree was photographed on August 9, 2026. The photos show the actual plant for sale at the time of photography. Flowers and buds are temporary and may change or finish blooming before the tree arrives.

Shipping Note

This tree ships from Massachusetts. It will be watered, secured, and packed carefully for shipment. Minor movement of the foliage, flowers, moss, or soil may occur during transit.

Care Note

Bonsai Mint is frost-tender and does not require a cold winter dormancy. It can be grown outdoors during warm weather but should be brought inside or moved into a heated greenhouse before temperatures become cold. Protect it from frost.

Place the tree in bright light or partial sun. Use well-draining soil and water thoroughly, then allow the soil to begin drying before watering again. The swollen stems and fleshy leaves store moisture, and constantly wet soil can lead to root problems.

Bonsai Mint responds well to pruning. New growth can be shortened after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage additional branching.

Please Note

• The tree shown is the exact tree you will receive
• Flowers and buds are seasonal and may change before shipping
• This plant is not cold hardy and must be protected from frost
• Despite its common name, it is not being sold as a culinary herb
• All measurements are approximate
• The plant’s appearance will change naturally with growth and flowering
• All trees are sold as-is
• All sales are final—no refunds, returns, or exchanges
• Once the tree leaves our nursery, its continued care is the buyer’s responsibility