About
An upright, slow-spreading rhizomatous perennial wildflower with oval-shaped, aromatic, toothed green foliage, with faintly red margins, on hairy stems. Clusters of tufted, airy, white to very pale lavender purple flowers appear in the summer followed by seedheads for winter interest.
About the genus
Pycnanthemum includes herbaceous and sometimes woody species grown for their ornamental merit. The genus is represented in gardens by selected species and cultivars suited to a range of growing conditions
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens
Native toSE USA
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningCut back fading stems in late autumn, or early spring, unless you wish to keep the seedheads for winter interest
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free