mountain mint

Mountain mint should be watered about 2-3 times per week. It prefers to stay slightly moist so it can benefit from an inch or 2 of water after the top inch or 2 of soil has dried out. Water deeply and let the soil dry before watering again, and avoid wetting the foliage. During the hot summer months, water more frequently to keep the soil hydrated. During the winter months, water sparingly to allow the soil to dry out. Mountain mint does not tolerate boggy or overly wet conditions.

Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum setosum) does best in full sun to partially shaded areas, making it ideal for planting in sunny spots. As a native wildflower, this species thrives in sunny spots with some afternoon shade in northern climates. That being said, it prefers at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive and bloom. The midday sun may be too intense for some locations, so providing some protection from the blistering heat by planting in dappled sunlight or providing shade from trees can help. Finally, it is important to avoid full shade or locations where the sunlight is blocked all day, as this may cause the plant to become leggy and not blossom.

Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum setosum) should be pruned throughout the growing season to promote health and encourage new growth. Pruning should be done when the plants are beginning to flower, as this will remove spent flower heads and promote new bloom. If necessary, more pruning can be done in late summer or early fall, to help promote a second set of flowers. Prune sparingly, as too much pruning can damage the plant. When pruning, always use sharp pruning shears and snip away any dead or diseased leaves or stems.