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    Pycnanthemum muticum

    Mountain Mint

    This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

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    Item #: 927

    Zones: 5a to 10b

    Dormancy: Winter

    Height: 36" tall

    Culture: Sun

    Origin:

    Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


    Wonderful vertical perenial with peppermint foliage, unusual grey and pink and fuzzy flowers in summer...Eastern US native...spreads some and some more.

    Maintenance:

    Cut last year's stems to the ground before new growth starts in spring, or whenever they get shabby or you tire of their presence. Generally the seed heads remain attractive all winter. This is all it requires in the way of maintenance.

    Of the 20 species of Pycnanthemum, some are clump forming, others are spreading. The clump forming species are suitable even to a small sunny garden. The spreading Mountain Mints are perhaps better suited to larger gardens where larger masses of ground covering plants are desired.

    Growing Conditions:

    Sun to part sun is best both for flowering and the pollinators which flock to the flowers. Well drained soil is essential for Pycnanthemum muticum. Other species prefer average soil conditions.

    Garden Value:

    The Mountain Mints are superb supporters of a wide range of pollinating insects, especially so for many species are in bloom for several months. Beyond the importance of supporting pollinators there is the shear joy and entertainment of watching a wide range of insects working these flowers; a veritable Serengeti Plains in a few square feet of ones garden. They are attractive in bloom as well in their winter forms. They are usually avoided by deer and rabbits.

    Natural Impact:

    Mountain mint should be included in any sunny garden where one hopes to support pollinating insects.