The Perennial Plant Association has chosen Pycnanthemum muticum, commonly known as Clustered Mountain Mint, as the 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year. Native to the eastern United States, this herbaceous perennial is celebrated for its ecological value and ornamental appeal.
From midsummer through fall, it produces clusters of tiny white to light pink flowers surrounded by showy silvery bracts, creating a frosted appearance in the garden. These blooms are a magnet for a diverse array of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, making it an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly landscapes. The aromatic, mint-scented foliage further enhances its attractiveness while deterring deer and rabbits.
Growing to a height of 2 to 3 feet, clustered mountain mint features branched, upright stems that form dense, weed-suppressing clumps. It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8 and prefers full sun to partial shade with medium to moist, well-draining soils.
While it spreads via underground rhizomes and can be vigorous in optimal conditions, it is not as aggressive as true mints. Gardeners can manage its spread by planting it in contained areas or alongside other robust perennials.
Its silvery foliage pairs well with plants like Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.), Bee Balms (Monarda spp.), and ornamental grasses, adding both visual interest and ecological benefits to garden spaces. It’s easy to see why Clustered Mountain Mint is a sought after native that was chosen as 2025 Perennial of the Year. Hornbaker Gardens is your go to location to get this Clustered Mountain Mint to add your landscape this year.