Pycnanthemum incanum (Silverleaf Mountain Mint)
Mountain Mint, Hoary Mountain Mint, Silverleaf Mountain Mint
Prized for its silvery foliage, Pycnanthemum incanum (Silverleaf Mountain Mint) is a stiff, erect, clump-forming, aromatic perennial adorned with opposite, ovate, toothed leaves to 3 in. long (7 cm). The leaves are hoary beneath and borne on sturdy square stems. In mid to late summer, dense, rounded clusters of tiny, silvery-white, two-lipped flowers appear atop the stems. They bloom for about 6 weeks and continue into early fall. The blossoms are often spotted with purple. The silvery coloring extends to the stems and leaves subtending the flower clusters. All parts of the plant exude a pleasant minty fragrance when crushed. The flowers are a favorite of butterflies, moths and beneficial pollinators. The leaves have been used to flavor teas. Pycnanthemum incanum is a good choice for meadows, wildlife gardens, woodland edges where it can roam freely. Great for water-wise landscapes or for erosion control.
- Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm). Can spread aggressively (by creeping rhizomes) but is easily controlled by division every 3-5 years.
- Thrives in full sun to part shade in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Best flower production is obtained in full sun. Drought and dry soil tolerant.
- Best for prairies and meadows, native plant gardens and naturalized areas.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Propagate by cuttings in early summer or division in late fall or early spring.
- Native to the eastern United States.
Buy Pycnanthemum incanum (Silverleaf Mountain Mint)
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 48" (120cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Doug McGrady, Flickr
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 48" (120cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |