About

White to pale lavender-purple flowers with purple spots appear in summer. A hardy, upright, clump-forming rhizomatous perennial with lance-shaped, pointed, softly hairy, aromatic grey-green foliage. Does not spread as rapidly as other varieties. Loved by bees.

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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toC & E USA
FragranceFlower, Foliage

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