Species slender mountain mint

slender mountain mint

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium 'Cat Springs'

Slender mountain mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium 'Cat Springs') is a fragrant, low-growing herb that produces attractive lavender-white clusters of long-lasting flowers. It is native to the eastern part of the United States and thrives in full or partial sun and medium moisture soils. It can grow up to two feet tall and makes an excellent addition to borders and garden beds. Its aroma is strong and minty, and its flowers make a nice cut flower. A hardy perennial, slender mountain mint is ideal for naturalized landscapes, rock gardens, and woodland gardens. It is also great for attracting and providing sustenance for beneficial pollinators. For an added bonus, it is even drought tolerant, and deer and rabbits usually pass it by.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Slender Mountain Mint should be watered about once a week. It prefers to stay on the dry side, so you should always wait until the top 2" of soil is dry before watering. During hot, dry spells you may need to water twice a week. When you water, apply enough water to thoroughly moisten the soil, but don't let the plant sit in standing water. Additionally, the foliage can be misted with a spray bottle if desired to increase humidity.

sunlight

Slender mountain mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium 'Cat Springs') grows best in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The morning sun will help this plant species open its flowers and maintain its flowers for longer. During the heat of the summer afternoon sun, this plant species will benefit from some afternoon shade or a dirt mulch to keep it cool. Slender mountain mint also loves moisture, so plenty of water should be provided for it throughout the growing season. This plant species is drought tolerant and will tolerate periods of water stress, but it thrives best with consistent moisture.

pruning

Slender mountain mint should be pruned back in early spring, before new growth begins. It should be cut back to about 6 inches to allow for new growth. Since this is a fast-growing plant, it may need to be pruned a second time during the growing season, in late summer or early fall, to keep it from becoming too tall. When pruning, be sure to only prune those portions of the plant that are dead or overgrown.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium 'Cat Springs' typically starts flowering in June.

Hardiness Map