Pycnanthemum virginianum

Pycnanthemum virginianum: Virginia Mountain Mint

A pollinator magnet with a cool, refreshing presence, Pycnanthemum virginianum brings fine-textured foliage and clouds of silvery-white blooms to sunny gardens and naturalistic plantings. This native mint has a clean, upright habit and narrow, aromatic leaves that release a minty fragrance when touched. In mid to late summer, it bursts into bloom with dense, nectar-rich flower clusters that support a wide array of bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Durable and low-maintenance, it’s both beautiful and ecologically essential.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Soft white to pale lavender in dense, rounded clusters
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer
• Foliage: Narrow, minty-green, aromatic leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Average to moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of clay and drought once established

Uses and Benefits: Pycnanthemum virginianum is an excellent choice for meadow gardens, pollinator borders, and ecological landscapes. Its strong upright form and long bloom time make it a reliable performer through summer, while its minty scent and deer resistance add practical garden value. It spreads moderately to form colonies, ideal for naturalized settings or massed in perennial beds where its understated elegance shines.

Companion Plants: Pair with the upright blue tones of Schizachyrium scoparium, the late-season fireworks of Solidago 'Fireworks', and the airy lavender blooms of Aster laevis for a prairie-inspired planting that supports biodiversity and provides layered texture and colour well into fall.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun or part shade with well-drained soil. Water during establishment; once established, it is drought tolerant. Cut back stems in early spring before new growth emerges. It may spread by rhizomes—divide or thin if necessary to maintain balance in smaller garden spaces.

History: Native to eastern North America, Pycnanthemum virginianum has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is increasingly valued in ecological plantings for its pollinator support and soil adaptability. It’s one of the best native perennials for attracting a diversity of beneficial insects.

Final Thoughts: Subtle yet full of life, Pycnanthemum virginianum is a pollinator powerhouse with a poised presence—bringing freshness, fragrance, and ecological depth to any sunny border or meadow garden.