Name:   Pycnanthemum muticum aka clustered mountain mint

Type of Plant:   Spreading perennial that is hardy in zones 4 to 8 and appreciates moist or at least consistently watered soil in full sun to part shade.

Why I Love/Hate this plant  This perennial is commonly sold as a native plant for pollinators, and I love the fact that bees, wasps and other insects benefit from the flowers. It’s also an extremely pretty plant, with dark green leaves and stems that are topped with flat, silver bracts that frame the small, pinkish-white flowers.

A Word to the Wise:   There are many plants that are commonly called mountain mint, so if you’re shopping for this one, be sure to copy the botanic name.  Know too that this plant spreads. It’s not as aggressive as many mints, but it’s definitely too enthusiastic for the average perennial garden. Plant this one in field-style pollinator gardens where it can duke it out with other strong perennials.

The silver bracts are best seen from above. This plant attracts many types of bees, wasps, flies and other pollinators. 

Plant this where it will get watered regularly. It is not a drought-tolerant perennial.