Micromeria fruticosa
White Micromeria, Little Mint, Wild Hyssop, White ZotaFamily: Lamiaceae
Origin: Mediterranean area
This small, aromatic shrub grows to a maximum height of 2 to 5 feet tall. It creates a splash of color in your garden with its high-gloss, bright green leaves, contrasting with splashes of white flowers. White Zota performs best when it has at least 6 hours of direct full sun in order to reach its full potential. This hardy perennial is drought-tolerant and will thrive in most soils as long as it is well-drained. Moderate water is also recommended and can be increased during especially dry weather.
In addition to being an attractive plant and making a great garden foliage, White Zota has many ethnomedical uses and is added to herbal teas for its fragrant and tasty lemon-mint flavor. It has established itself as a safe and effective remedy for a number of ailments. Furthermore, White Zota has a number of uses in the kitchen as a spice or herb.
In colder climates, you can easily grow White Zota in a pot in your balcony, greenhouse, or sunniest window. Select a pot that is slightly bigger than the root ball of the shrub and use well-drained, loamy soil. Regularly fertilize with a balanced fertilizer no more than once a month. Make sure to water regularly, especially during the growing season, and avoid over-watering. Prune yearly to keep the shrub looking attractive. You can also protect in the wintertime with a layer of mulch.
White Zota can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 11 and produces fragrant and attractive white flowers that will remain year-round--making it a great addition to your garden. This popular shrub provides an array of benefits and its bright fragrance will linger in your garden for years to come.
