Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) - 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year

Discover the charm and utility of Blue Mountain Mint, a standout perennial chosen as the 2025 Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. This native North American plant thrives throughout North Carolina and is a vital addition to your garden's pollinator-friendly landscape.

Description & Appearance: Mountain Mint features dense clusters of delicate white to soft lavender flowers that bloom from July to September. Its distinctive silver bracts exude a frosted elegance, enhancing any garden aesthetic. Typically reaching heights of 1 to 3 feet, its aromatic foliage is both visually appealing and beneficial to your garden’s biodiversity.

Growing Conditions: This resilient plant adapts well to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, thriving in well-drained moist environments. While it favors full sun for optimal flowering, it can also thrive in partial shade. Mountain Mint spreads via rhizomes but can be easily contained, making it perfect for naturalized areas, pollinator gardens, or even edible landscapes.

Pollinator Haven: One of Mountain Mint’s key benefits is its attraction to a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and wasps, ensuring your garden is alive with activity. Its fragrant leaves are unappetizing to deer and rabbits, offering a resilient option for low-maintenance gardens.

Culinary & Ethnobotanical Uses: The leaves of Mountain Mint are not only aromatic but also edible, lending themselves beautifully to culinary uses such as teas and flavoring dishes. Historically, Native Americans utilized this plant for its medicinal properties, further highlighting its versatility.

Elevate your garden with Mountain Mint—a plant that harmonizes beauty, functionality, and ecological support while earning its title as the 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year!