The Perennial Plant Association has named Clustered Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) the 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year®—a well-deserved honor for a plant that combines ecological value, adaptability, and ornamental beauty.
Why Choose Clustered Mountain Mint?
This native perennial is a powerhouse for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps with its nectar-rich blooms. Its silvery bracts create a luminous effect in the garden from midsummer through early fall, offering lasting visual interest. Plus, it thrives in a variety of conditions—handling full sun to partial shade, moist to dry soils, and even periods of drought. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid it, making it a reliable, low-maintenance choice.
Easy Care for Maximum Impact
- Siting: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Grows well in a range of soils, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soil. It tolerates clay but prefers well-drained conditions.
- Watering: Regular watering during the first season helps establish roots; after that, it’s drought-tolerant.
- Companion Plants: Pairs beautifully with Purple Coneflower, Joe-Pye Weed, Little Bluestem, Goldenrod, Asters, and Rudbeckia for a dynamic, pollinator-friendly garden.
A Must-Have for Sustainable Gardening
Beyond its beauty, Clustered Mountain Mint stabilizes soil, reduces the need for mulch, and provides shelter for wildlife. Its selection as the 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year® reflects the growing demand for low-maintenance, biodiversity-supporting plants that thrive in modern landscapes.