Pycnanthemum verticillatum

Hairy Mountain-Mint

• Full sun
• Average soil, from high to low moisture
• 36" tall. See description below regarding spread
• Mid to Late Summer Blooms
• Native to Ontario, suited to garden and meadow settings
• Exceptionally popular with pollinators

Slightly later blooming in my garden, and with fuzzier leaves than Virginia Mountain mint, the two species are otherwise very similar. Sharing both their wonderfully fragrant foliage and popularity with a wide range of pollinator and nectar feeding insects.

Prairie Moon nursery describes this species as spreading but doesn’t mention that trait for Virginia Mountain Mint. As a newer addition to the Ottawa garden, I’m still at the ‘wait and see’ stage when it comes to this particular trait. Either way, I doubt that they’ll be able to displace the Joe-Pye Weed, New England Asters and Monarda that they are currently sharing space with.

Generally unbothered by dry or moderately wet conditions, these are at their best in full sun or very light shade. They grow to around 3’ tall and bloom in mid to late summer. An easygoing addition to any mixed, sunny pollinator garden, I’d also suggest them as a massing species in among other species that either hold their space well or have a tendency to wander around and fill available space. Common Milkweed, for example, would offer a stunning texture contrast and wouldn’t be intimidated by a wandering neighbour.