29 REASONS TO GROW MOUNTAIN MINT.

Pycnanthemum virginianum

mountain_mint_flowers3
  1. Will grow almost anywhere.
  2. Produces lots of flowers later in the year than many other plants
  3. It’s a perennial, comes back every year.
  4. The bees and other pollinators love it
  5. Butterflies love it too
  6. It gives pollen and nectar at a time of the year when there is not a lot else for them to eat.
  7. Its edible.  Leaves taste like slightly mild peppermint
  8. Can be used instead of peppermint.
  9. Flowers are also edible and can be used to decorate salads,  desserts etc.
  10. It’s a native American plant
  11. Grows taller than regular mint, around four feet.
  12. Will take semi shade, but does like full sun.
  13. Flowers first year from seed.
  14. Flowers for long period of time (usually 1-2 months)
  15. Don’t need to water it
  16. It does not spread and take over like regular mint
  17. Stays fairly compact, plants increase in size over time.
  18. Does not need much maintenance once its established.  (Cut down when dies back in fall to make next year look smarter)
  19. Not fussy about soil type, will grow almost anywhere
  20. As long as the soil does not get waterlogged it will grow
  21. Hardy to zone 5, some reports say zone 4
  22. Deer don’t eat it
  23. Rabbits don’t eat it.
  24. Coyotes don’t eat it (they will decimate real peppermint)
  25. Will self seed but not very prolifically
  26. Great for back borders
  27. Great for areas where not a lot else grows.
  28. Good for meadows too
  29. Ideal for any garden.  Plant it , leave it and enjoy the flowers.

Detailed growing information and seeds.

Cascade of flowering mountain mint plants (Pycnanthemum virginianum ) in our field.
Cascade of flowering mountain mint plants (Pycnanthemum virginianum ) in our field.
Close up Mountain Mint flowers (Pycnanthemum virginianum )
Close up Mountain Mint flowers (Pycnanthemum virginianum )

Author: Janice Hazeldine PhD

Owner and head grower Floral Encounters. Organic Medicinal Herb Farm

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