About

This aromatic, herbaceous perennial to about 90cm with lime green, velvety leaves arranged in pairs. The very pale pink flowers with silvery bracts cluster in flattened whorls at the top of the stem in late summer.

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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-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, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Native toE 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
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free