I have grown Hoary Mountian Mint and Narrow-leaved Mountain Mint, and both grow similarly. Both spread vegetatively via trailing stems at ground level, although neither seems to spread as fast as plants like mondarda fistulosa or spearmint, both closely related. Mountain monts tend to form small clumps, rather than large patches, at least for the first couple of years. In the wild I see large clumps, which perhaps are many years old. I don't give them any special treatment. i think regular garden soil in the sun will suit most mountain mints, and I don't think the low elevation is a deal breaker. Several mountain mints occur naturally at low elevations, so the name is a bit of a misnomer.

Thanks so much ladyslppr...i always appreciate your advice. I am so glad to know Pycnanthemum occurs naturally at low elevations. I am just in love with how it looks, especially the Hoary Mountain Mint. I have been looking for something for a morning sun/afternoon shade spot that butterflies also like. The deer may decide they like them too, but we'll see how that goes...

Thanks again!

I have a large patch of Pycnanthemum muticum that I grew from seed, it spreads but is easy to pull up and put elsewhere, I believe it is deer resistant, but do take care where you put it, my patch borders a walkway and is covered with bees & wasps of all types and sizes, from early summer until it freezes, the stems tend to fall over late in the season. I brush against it all day and it smells wonderful, but though I have never been stung I do worry a bit. You will be amazed by the types and varieties of buzzing going on around you.

It should work perfect in morning sun afternoon shade.

I've grown both species from wild-collected seed native to a TN zone 6b site. Elevation about 900 ft abs, and they typically prefer woods edges around here. Very easy to grow. They like good drainage.

On my land in East TX there were a few wild montain mint plants growing mostly in the shade under some oaks, black walnuts, and understory trees like huckleberry and black haw. They were sort of shrubby and about 1 1/2 feet tall. When my son cleared out some of the trees to build a house, they began to "take off". In a year thet have doubled in size with many blooms and are a haven for butterflies.They get sun from about 1:00 PM until about 5:30 PM. We are at 300 ft. and on a slight hill of sandy soil.

Topie, my understanding is that the mountain in mountain mint is a misnomer as it does not need a high elevation environment at all. Indeed, pycnantheum species grow right here in Iowa!

I have been searching for Pycnanthemum muticum seed for years now. There are some nurseries that have single plants, however that is not all that useful for my small garden and short growing season needs. The only place i could find such seed is in the UK and they wont' ship to Canada.

Any thoughts on where i could purchase Pycnanthemum muticum seed?

Thank You.

Yes i tried ebay, and richters, as well as several nurseries so far.

I found and purchased seeds from Everwilde's Farm:
Does anyone have pictures of these plants, I would enjoy viewing them. I WS'd the Hoary Mt. Mint last season. I am WSing the Pycnathemum this season. I understand from a butterfly website that they love these plants.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pycnanthemum virginianum (Mountain Mint) Wildflower Seeds

Just planted a bunch of clustered mountain mint plugs last spring. Doing fine in Philadelphia. Have Pycnanthemum virginianum in various locations in my yard and they are probably the central hub of pollinator activity in late summer.

Mountain Mint - (Pycnanthemum virginianum)

Don't have any pictures of the entire plant. Definitely a pollinator favorite.

We have deer everywhere, one of the few plants that they leave alone :)

Thanks c2g and Country_Garden. Pretty picture. I Winter Sowed the Pycnanthemum virginianum variety yesterday. Really tiny seeds!

This tiny seeds should germinate nicely for you. Deer are fussy eaters, like little kids who won't try something different. Mint must be too off taste for them.