It can readily spread by rhizomes, but roots can be cut back once a year to prevent spreading.Mint plants are a group of aromatic herbs that belong to the genus Mentha, having square stems, opposite leaves and small blooms that grow in clusters. It naturalizes in dry prairie or glade habitats, but also does well in sunny to partially shaded drained beds. The first botanical records of this plant come from French botanist Andre Michaux’s notes from the late 18th century. Because of its strong smell, mammals won’t bother it, yet it’s a delight in the gardens because simply brushing this plant will release a beautiful mint aroma. It’s loaded with nectar so the sublty spotted flowers hum with life. This top pollinator favorite is easy to grow from seed and to care for. Ample water support the most lush growth. Limit spread by creating root barriers in the soil, or grow in containers off the ground. Growing Tips: Surface sow, gently pressing seeds into soil (requires light to germinate). Many folks simply clip the leaves and use as mulch around plants in the vegetable garden to harness the pest-repelling benefits without letting this aggressive plant grow in the vegetable garden. It is quite competitive and belongs in the herb bed or in a contained location. Perennial from zones 4-9, mint will thrive in most gardens. While the flavors may range from spearmint to peppermint or applemint, the purported medicinal and pest-repelling benefits remain the same. We love the element of surprise in growing mint from seed. Growing mint from seed is a lesson in the beauty of chaos in the natural world, as the busy activity of insect pollinators causes a wide spectrum of mint flavors. Countless beneficial insects are absolutely enchanted by mint, while many pesky garden pests are repulsed by it. This is perhaps the most powerful perennial to invite into your landscape. This bushy and colorful mounding plant is technically a perennial, but it will bloom in the first year and can be treated as an annual. The blooms are larger than other types of catmints, and we especially appreciate the fragrance of the flowers. Nepeta subsessilis is also known as Japanese catmint. The plants reach just 12-20 inches tall and fit perfectly into beds, borders and containers. Compact and tidy, the showy pink blooms of this Japanese catmint attract a range of pollinators. Catmint is more ornamental and a bit less tolerant of poor soil and prefers loose, well-drained soil. Same genus and species as catnip, but catmint grows in more tidy clumps and does not reseed as easily. Shear plants occasionally to renew them self-sows readily. Alternately you can start indoors and transplant after last frost. Growing Tips: Surface sow, gently pressing into soil cover lightly. Compact and tidy, this Japanese catmint and its mesmerizing blue blooms attract a range of pollinators.
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