Clustered Mountain Mint
Clustered Mountain Mint, also called Short-Toothed Mountain Mint, is a powerhouse for pollinators and a standout in any sunny or partially shaded planting. In midsummer, the upper leaves take on a silvery cast, creating a shimmering backdrop for clusters of tiny white to pale pink flowers. These blooms are absolutely swarmed by native bees, wasps, and butterflies, making this one of the best plants you can add to a pollinator-focused garden.
Despite its strong minty aroma, this species is not edible—its leaves contain a natural numbing agent. Fortunately, deer dislike the flavor, and it’s rarely browsed. Spreading slowly by rhizomes, it forms manageable colonies and works beautifully in meadows, rain gardens, or as a dynamic accent in native borders. The foliage adds structure and texture throughout the growing season, while the late-summer blooms keep your garden buzzing.
Why Choose Clustered Mountain Mint?
- Top-tier pollinator magnet, especially for native bees.
- Silvery bracts provide midsummer visual interest.
- Deer-resistant and low-maintenance.
- Great in rain gardens, borders, and naturalistic plantings.
Spreads moderately—cut back or divide in spring if needed to manage size. Leave seedheads standing through fall for habitat and winter interest.
- As with many plants in the Mint family, be mindful of seedlings in gardens with established Mountain Mint as they may spready rapidly if not removed
- Well-established clumps of Clustered Mountain Mint can be safely divided to thin out if needed
- Though not an especially tall plant, well-established Clustered Mountain Mint can be given the "Chelsea Chop" to reduce overall height and improve bushiness. Prune stems to roughly 2/3 or 1/2 their height in early Summer.
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