A mountain mint plant will draw butterflies and bees but repel deer and rabbits from your garden.
It’s also a fantastic pollinator plant, thanks to its silvery white flowers.
Heres everything it’s crucial that you know about growing mountain mint plants in your garden.
Credit:Rob Cardillo
Where to Plant Mountain Mint
Mountain mint grows best in full to partial sun inUSDA Zones4-8.
Grow it inwell-draining soilinraised beds, containers, or the ground.
Mountain mint will spread but is rarely aggressive.
Credit:Denny Schrock
Keep the seeds warm until they germinate, and moist but never waterlogged.
When the seedlings reach 2 inches tall,transplant them outside in a garden bedor container.
Light
Mountain mint can grow infull sunto partial shade.
When grown in a sunny area, it produces more of its attractive greenish-white flowers in the summer months.
Soil and Water
Mountain mint does best in well-draining soil with a neutral or slightly acidic pH.
This plant can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, clay, andloamy soils.
Keep the soil moist, especially when the plant is becoming established, and on the dry side afterward.
These plants are drought-tolerant.
Fertilizer
When grown in its native regions, mountain mint typically doesnt need to be fertilized.
Pruning
Mountain mint can spread quickly in moist conditions.
Theres no need to prune it if you dont mind it growing and spreading.
If you prefer to keep it contained, prune the roots with a spade in the spring months.
Pests and Problems
Mountain mint isnt susceptible to many diseases.
However, its a good idea to monitor the plants to check for anything out of the ordinary.
A benefit of mountain mint is its deer and rabbit resistance.
Its fragrant leaves keep these animals from munching on this plant.
Sprinkle seeds over the soil and gently tamp them so theyre slightly covered.
Mountain mint germinates within two weeks.
Water often to keep the soil moist but never soggy.
Snip the leaves to use for teas ordry themso you have mountain mint to use through the season.
Flowers can be dried, too, for tea or potpourri.
Here are a few of the most garden-worthy ones.
This variety is a favorite if you are growing mint to make herbal tea.
It can grow up to 6 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide.
Virginia Mountain Mint
Virginia mountain mint(Pycnanthemum virginianum)has furry leaves and white blooms.
At 2-3 feet tall, it is shorter than other mountain mints.
Bees and butterflies are big fans of this plant.
The leaves are highly fragrant when crushed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mountain mint flops over when planted in soggy soil.
Thisdrought-tolerant plantdoes better in slightly moist to dry soil.
Wet soil often causes root rot.
Check the top 2-3 inches of soil and water when it is dry.
