Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, narrowleaf mountain mint - 9cm pot
Known as Narrowleaf Mountain Mint this is a new-to-me but so-far-fabulous member of the Lamiaceae family hailing from North America, which I have added to my pollinator friendly borders! Soft and bushy, but distinctly upright clumps of foliage, which as the name suggests, have narrow leaves with a light minty fragrance when brushed against. The foliage this season is sublime - it catches the breeze in a similar fashion to grasses, adding movement to the garden. The small flowers are white with lilac-purple spots and are held in clusters atop the upright stems a bit later in the summer. A great nectar source for many different bees and butterflies with a long flowering period from summer through to autumn. Best grown in average soils in full sun, will cope well with dry periods too. Hardy herbaceous perennial, winter dormant. Flowering size at maturity 50-75cm high and 30-50cm wide. 9cm pot.