Three different Mountain Mint varieties in bloom

Mountain Mint is rapidly gaining popularity among gardeners and pollinator enthusiasts alike. In today’s blog, we’ll explore some of the most beloved varieties of this versatile perennial, each offering unique traits while sharing one essential quality: their ability to attract pollinators and thrive with minimal care. Let’s dive into the different species of Mountain Mint and discover which one might be the perfect fit for your garden.

Choosing the Right Mountain Mint for Your Virginia Garden

When selecting a Mountain Mint variety, consider your garden’s specific conditions and your overall design goals. Here are some top choices:

  • Clustered Mountain Mint: Ideal for creating a stunning display that draws in pollinators, this variety is perfect for gardeners looking to add a striking visual element to their garden while supporting local ecosystems.

  • Narrow-leafed Mountain Mint: If you have a dry, sunny spot in need of a hardy plant, Narrow-leafed Mountain Mint is a fantastic choice. It thrives in these conditions and will fill that space beautifully.

  • Hairy Mountain Mint: Known for its unique texture and adaptability, Hairy Mountain Mint can thrive in various light and soil conditions. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking to add variety and resilience to your garden.

Regardless of the species you choose, all Mountain Mint varieties are excellent at supporting local pollinators and adding valuable biodiversity to your garden. With their low-maintenance nature and long-lasting appeal, these native plants are sure to become a staple in your perennial garden.

Mountain Mint Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the mountain mint varieties listed below may be just a selection of what Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

Clustered Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum muticum

Clustered Mountain Mint is stealing the spotlight in 2025 as the Perennial Plant Association’s 2025 Plant of the Year!

 

Key Features

  • Height: 24-36 inches
  • Bloom Time: July to September
  • Flower Color: White to light pink
  • Interest: Distinctive, silvery bracts give the appearance of frost on the foliage

Growing Tips

  • They prefer full sun to partial shade.
  • They tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.
  • It spreads through rhizomes but is less aggressive than true mints.
  • Excellent for pollinator gardens, native plant landscapes, and as a ground cover.

Fun Fact

  • The leaves contain pulegone, a natural insect repellent. Rub the leaves on your clothes to help repel ticks and mosquitoes during outdoor activities—a word of caution: the presence of pulegone limits the culinary uses of Clustered Mountain Mint.
Narrow-Leafed Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium

If you’re looking for a Mountain Mint variety with a more delicate appearance, Narrow-leafed Mountain Mint might be your perfect match!

 

Key Features

  • Height: 20-30 inches
  • Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
  • Flower Color: White
  • Interest: Fine, needle-like leaves create a soft, airy texture

Growing Tips

  • They thrive in full sun to partial shade.
  • They are adaptable to various soil types, including rocky or sandy soils.
  • They have a more restrained growth habit than other Mountain Mint varieties.
  • Excellent for dry areas or rock gardens.

Fun Fact

  • Despite its delicate appearance, the Narrow-leafed Mountain Mint is just as attractive to pollinators as its cousins. If you’re looking to explore the culinary uses of Mountain Mint, the Narrow-leafed variety is the best to use.
Hairy Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum verticillatum var. pilosum

Hairy Mountain Mint offers an exciting twist for those who appreciate unique textures in their garden.

 

Key Features

  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Bloom Time: July to September
  • Flower Color: White
  • Interest: Distinctive, fuzzy white stems and leaves

Growing Tips

  • They prefer full sun to partial shade.
  • They are adaptable to various soil types, including clay.
  • Tolerates both moist and slightly dry conditions.
  • They are great for naturalized areas or wildflower meadows.

Fun Fact

  • The fuzzy texture of this plant isn’t just for show—it helps protect the plant from excessive water loss, making it quite drought-tolerant once established.