Pycnanthemum pycnanthemoides

Common Names

Southern Mountain Mint

Summary

Mountain mint is a native perennial herb in the Lamiaceae, reaching 3–6 ft tall and about 2 ft wide, with opposite, ovate leaves that are doubly serrate and have hairy undersides, and a minty scent. Dense heads of small white flowers bloom June–August (sometimes lilac with purple spots), attracting bees and butterflies in habitats from dry to wet thin woodlands, thickets, and meadows.

It propagates by division or seed and tolerates hardiness zones 4a–9b. It grows easily in average to dry soils from full sun to partial shade with good drainage, preferring clay loam or sand and a pH of 6.0–8.0, making it suitable for meadow, naturalized areas, or borders, with flowers that attract pollinators and seeds that attract birds.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3.5-6 feet

Spread

18-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, ranging from clay loam (silt) to sand, tolerates most soil types

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Pink, Purple/Lavender, White (with pinkish-purple markings)

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green, Silvery

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Summer

Propagation Methods

Seed, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds