Mint Mountain

Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum pilosum) is a hardy, aromatic herb that's a magnet for bees and butterflies, making it a brilliant addition to any pollinator-friendly garden. Its Latin name says it all—Pycnanthemum means “many clustered flowers,” and pilosum refers to its soft, slightly hairy leaves.

This herb isn’t just pretty—it’s practical too. Scroll down to discover its many uses, from natural air freshening to insect repelling.

Deer tend to avoid it, so consider planting Mountain Mint among more tempting plants as a natural deterrent. As a bonus, the flower buds and leaves are edible, with a hot, minty-spicy flavour that works well as a seasoning for savoury dishes or herbal blends.  

Caution: Do not consume during pregnancy.

Whether you grow it for its beauty, fragrance, flavour, or pest-deterring powers, Mountain Mint is low-maintenance, lovely, and incredibly useful - truly the kind of herb every garden can benefit from.

🌱 Seasonal Growing Guide

SOW:

Sow seeds in spring or autumn, either:

• • In a seed tray placed in a cold frame, or
  • Directly into a seed bed in April.

How to sow:

• • Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost
  • Lightly cover with a fine layer of compost.
  • Aim for a temperature around 20°C.
  • Be patient - germination is erratic, taking anywhere from 2-12 weeks.

GROW: 

• Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle
• Prefers a rich, loamy, moist soil in full sun or partial shade.
• Will tolerate most soils and is generally easy to care for

📌USES

EDIBLE

• The flower buds and leaves are edible raw or cooked

CAUTION: you should not consume Mountain Mint when pregnant, however it is safe to use as a freshener or insect repellent.

WILDLIFE FRIENDLY

• Mountain Mint is a magnet for pollinators, especially bumblebees (Bombus spp.), honeybees (Apis mellifera), and a variety of solitary bees.
• Its fragrant, nectar-rich flowers attract hoverflies, which are important natural predators of aphids in their larval stage.
• Butterflies such as the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) and Swallowtails (Papilionidae family) frequently visit for nectar.
• The plant supports beneficial predatory insects like lacewings and soldier beetles, which help keep pest populations in check.
• Mountain Mint’s dense foliage offers shelter for small insects and contributes to overall garden biodiversity.
• While not native to the UK, Mountain Mint is valued in pollinator-friendly planting schemes and is gaining recognition in RHS pollinator recommendations.

OTHER

Natural air freshener: Add dried leaves to your dryer, drawers, or cupboards for a clean, minty scent that helps deter moths.

Household helper: Sprinkle on carpets before vacuuming to freshen your whole home.

Bug repellent: Rub crushed leaves on your skin or tuck sprigs into your hat or pocket to help keep insects at bay...though we can’t promise it’ll stop those legendary Scottish midges!

Deer-resistant: Plant among more vulnerable species to help keep your garden safe from grazing.