Introduce a fragrant and pollinator-friendly perennial to your garden with Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, commonly known as Mountainmint. This native herbaceous plant features narrow, lance-shaped leaves with a refreshing minty aroma and clusters of small, white to pale lavender flowers that bloom from midsummer to early fall. Known for its adaptability and ecological benefits, Mountainmint is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, meadows, or naturalized landscapes.

Why Choose Mountainmint?

• Fragrant Foliage: The narrow, aromatic leaves release a refreshing minty scent when brushed or crushed, adding sensory appeal to your garden.
• Pollinator Powerhouse: Produces nectar-rich flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
• Long Bloom Period: Provides months of blooms, adding color and activity to your garden from midsummer into fall.
• Low Maintenance: Thrives in a wide range of conditions, including poor soils and drought, making it an easy-care choice for eco-conscious gardeners.

Cultivation Tips

• Sunlight Needs: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
• Soil Preferences: Grows well in well-drained soils, including sandy or rocky soils, and is highly adaptable to challenging conditions.
• Watering Requirements: Water regularly during establishment; afterward, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering.
• Spacing: Plant 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading and to create a dense, fragrant groundcover.

Design Ideas for Your Garden

Mountainmint’s airy blooms and fragrant foliage make it a versatile addition to pollinator gardens, perennial borders, and meadows. Pair it with other natives like Black-eyed Susans or Bee Balm for a vibrant and wildlife-friendly landscape. Its compact size and tidy habit also make it suitable for container planting or as a low hedge.

Ecological Benefits

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium plays a vital role in supporting native pollinators by providing nectar and pollen throughout its bloom period. Its dense growth habit helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it an excellent addition to sustainable and naturalized landscapes.

Add Pycnanthemum tenuifolium – Mountainmint to your garden for its delightful fragrance, pollinator-friendly blooms, and low-maintenance nature. This native gem is sure to enhance the beauty and ecological value of your outdoor space.