Plant of the Month: Clustered Mountain Mint 

Submitted by the Bath Gamma Garden Club

The Perennial Plant Association has awarded Clustered Mountain Mint (pcynanthemum muticum) as the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2025. The PPA consists of professionals who participate in growing and using perennials. 

The criteria for selecting the perennial plant of the year include a wide growing range and availability; resistance to pests and disease; ease of care; and beauty, preferably in more than one season.

Clustered Mountain Mint is a top-notch pollinator beloved by a wide variety of bees, wasps, butterflies and other beneficial insects. There are no serious diseases or insect problems that affect this plant. It is resistant to deer and rabbits thanks to the mint aroma the leaves give off. 

The flowers are not show stopping, however, eye-catching silver bracts are surrounded by tiny tubular flowers in light pink or white set above an upright stem, giving the illusion of being dusted by snow. The blooming season ranges from July to September.

Clustered Mountain Mint is a terrific addition to a sensory garden because all parts of the plant emit a strong mint fragrance when crushed. It has been used in teas as well.

Clustered Mountain Mint is native to the eastern United States and grows in zones 4 to 8. It is a clump-forming perennial that spreads by rhizomes. It grows best in full sun with moderately moist soil and good drainage. It can tolerate part shade, but leaner and drier conditions will result in less spectacular flowering. Some consider the plant invasive, but the rhizomes of this clump-forming mint can be easily kept in check by chopping them back to contain them. This presents an opportunity to share plants with friends and help the pollinators.

The following moisture-loving perennials are good companion plants to grow with Clustered Mountain Mint: Black-Eyed Susans, Bee Balm, Joe Pye Weed and Blue Star Amsonia. Deep-rooted prairie grasses are another option for companion planting. The lavender bloom of Liatris Gay Feather is another great companion plant.To find out more about past Perennial Plant Association selections, visit perennialplant.org/page/PastPPOY.

Photo caption: Clustered Mountain Mint. Photo submitted.