Since we like to plant perennials in the fall, Jim and I try to stop in at two or three local native plant sales in September and October. Gloucester Master Gardeners increases our stock of native plants each year, but it’s fun to check out the plants that other groups are selling.
A few years ago, we purchased several mountain mints at one nearby plant sale. Mountain mints (Pycnanthemum spp.) are members of the mint family (they have square stems) and leaves that emit a delicate minty fragrance when rubbed. Despite their common name, about 20 species of mountain mints are native to most of the eastern half of the United States and Canada, including mountainous, Piedmont, and Coastal areas.
Mountain mints require full sun to part shade. They grow well in average to fertile clay, loam, or sandy soil with good drainage and an acidic to neutral pH. The velvety green leaves vary in size and shape depending on the species, and may have a whitish appearance. The tiny, tightly clustered, brac...