Blunt Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum muticum is a standout perennial herb for the UK garden, primarily valued for its extraordinary ability to attract pollinators and its unique aesthetic. It forms a dense, clump-forming mound of dark green, lancolate leaves, reaching about 60-90cm. The true beauty lies in the silvery-white bracts that surround the small, inconspicuous pinkish flowers at the tips of the stems, giving the plant a 'frosted' appearance throughout late summer. When the leaves are crushed, they release a potent spearmint fragrance, much stronger than many true mints. Unlike Mentha species, it is not invasive and stays in a neat clump. It is fully hardy (H7) and prefers moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. It is remarkably pest and disease resistant. In the UK, it is increasingly popular in 'New Perennial' style planting for its texture and ecological value. The leaves can be used for tea, although it is more frequently grown as an ornamental herb.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained loam or clay-loam.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.