Summary
Clustered mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) is a vigorous, colony-forming herbaceous perennial that spreads by rhizomes but is not as aggressive as some of its mint family relatives. Plants enjoy fertile, moist to medium moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade, and typically grow 1-3” tall and equally as wide by shallow rhizomes.
Erect, branching stems feature dark green, strongly aromatic leaves that emit a minty aroma when rubbed, making this plant unfavorable to deer and rabbits. From mid to late summer the plant is topped in a bloom of ½” wide two-lipped tubular, white to pinkish lavender flowers displayed in a dense, flat-topped terminal (sometimes axillary) cluster. Each of the clusters is accompanied by a pair of silvery, leaf-like bracts, collectively giving the plants a frosted appearance. Flower clusters, bracts, and stems are also aromatic.
Clustered mountain mint’s aromatic quality begs to be included in a sensory garden. The silvery appearance created by a mass planting pairs well with the lavender purple of spike gayfeather (Liatris spicata) or the rich red of Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica). It is excellent for fresh or dried arrangements. Flowers attract an array of insect pollinators including butterflies, bees, wasps, and beetles. Though clustered mountain mint has a running habit, it is easily contained to a desired size by the removal of runners with a garden spade. Zones 4-8.
More Details
- Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun, part-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
medium, moist - Flowering Period
late-summer, mid-summer - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
pinkish-white, white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
tan