Slender Mountain Mint is a vigorous perennial herb that brings the wild character of eastern American prairies and rocky woodlands into your garden. This rhizomatous spreader grows 24 to 36 inches tall with exceptionally narrow, needle-like foliage and produces abundant clusters of small white flowers from July through September. Hardy in zones 4 through 8, it thrives in dry to moderate conditions and handles drought, clay soil, and shallow rocky ground with ease, making it one of the toughest mints you can grow.
12
Partial Sun
Moderate
4-8
36in H x 36in W
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Moderate
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The foliage is remarkably fine and delicate, almost grass-like, which sets this mint apart from its broader-leafed cousins. It flowers prolifically in mid to late summer with showy terminal clusters that butterflies can't resist, and those blooms are excellent for cutting. Because it spreads vigorously through rhizomes, it works as a living ground cover in spots where most mints would struggle, especially in erosion-prone areas or rain gardens where you want a tough, aggressive plant.
Slender Mountain Mint functions best as a ground cover or naturalized planting rather than a culinary herb harvested for tea or cooking. Its primary value lies in its ecological role: it anchors hillsides and problem areas prone to erosion, stabilizes rain gardens, and provides abundant nectar and pollen for pollinators throughout the summer and into early fall.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors in warmth (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and transplant outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost into average, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to accommodate mature spread.
Prune or cut back after flowering or in early spring to maintain shape and control spread, though this plant is vigorous and tolerates aggressive cutting well.
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