Short Toothed Mountain Mint, Pycnanthemum muticum, looks good all season. The butterflies, and a number of other insects frequent the blooms in the summer. I've managed to keep the clump a decent size over the 4 or 5 years I've grown it.
Last week, when I was finding a path for Larry to put the pots into the egress window, I made a discovery.
Can you see what's on the ground?
I've shown the runners I've discovered in the spring before, that I pulled to keep the plant from spreading. I thought the stems had lain down and roots grew from them. Now, I'm wondering if the new runners were already there in other autumns, and I just didn't find them until spring. Well, silly me! I just looked at other posts I've done on this, and confirmed my self diagnosis of being scatterbrained. I have discovered runners in the fall before, and posted on it. Oh, well, this post is about finished, so it's going up anyway.
The new growth looks more like mint than the older growth.
Here's what I pulled up. I will still check the ground in the spring to make sure it hasn't sent more runners out. I really don't want it to get out of hand, because I love the plant, and don't want to have to give up on growing it.
It's 44 degrees, and raining. It's supposed to get down to 36 tonight. The western part of Nebraska is expecting snow. We watered plants with what was left in the back yard rain barrel, and Larry took it down, but the front one will probably be full again after the rain stops. I am only managing to get a little outdoor work done at a time. I still haven't pulled up the spent tomato and pepper plants. I hope the weather holds out so I can get that done, and get more compost spread so we can put the neighbors' leaves in them.
I hope your week is going well.
Last week, when I was finding a path for Larry to put the pots into the egress window, I made a discovery.
Can you see what's on the ground?
I've shown the runners I've discovered in the spring before, that I pulled to keep the plant from spreading. I thought the stems had lain down and roots grew from them. Now, I'm wondering if the new runners were already there in other autumns, and I just didn't find them until spring. Well, silly me! I just looked at other posts I've done on this, and confirmed my self diagnosis of being scatterbrained. I have discovered runners in the fall before, and posted on it. Oh, well, this post is about finished, so it's going up anyway.
The new growth looks more like mint than the older growth.
Here's what I pulled up. I will still check the ground in the spring to make sure it hasn't sent more runners out. I really don't want it to get out of hand, because I love the plant, and don't want to have to give up on growing it.
It's 44 degrees, and raining. It's supposed to get down to 36 tonight. The western part of Nebraska is expecting snow. We watered plants with what was left in the back yard rain barrel, and Larry took it down, but the front one will probably be full again after the rain stops. I am only managing to get a little outdoor work done at a time. I still haven't pulled up the spent tomato and pepper plants. I hope the weather holds out so I can get that done, and get more compost spread so we can put the neighbors' leaves in them.
I hope your week is going well.
Sneaky stuff that mint. You can't look everywhere, at least I can't. It sent those runners under mulch last year, probably. Dig, dig, dig. Pull, pull, pull. You've had a delicious fall.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha...that's too funny...there are certain plants that think they can get away with anything!
ReplyDeleteSee, you're a far nicer person than I am. I'd be putting that mint in a pot---just to teach it a lesson!
ReplyDelete:D
I've been trying to buy Hoary Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum incanum) for two years and my source is always out of stock! What does your plant smell like? Does it smell like Vicks Vaporub?
ReplyDeleteGreat post, as always. Hugs, Ilene
What an interesting plant! I remember admiring it in the Spring. If you have any more sprouts to toss out, give me a holler - I'd be glad to take them off your hands.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain - mint can take over so quickly - it's runners seem to hibernate for years before popping up. There are a couple of ways I control it - keep it in a pot or plant it in a pot in the ground - but the runners still manager to find their way out.
ReplyDeleteYour mint is quite attractive, and your diligence to catch the runners is admirable. Thanks for your 'humble' encounter. c
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure what I was looking for at first. Thanks for zooming in and explaining it to us. You have so many great plants!
ReplyDeleteSue, do you ever make tea with this mint? My MIL used to make tea for me with her mint, but I don't know what kind it was.
ReplyDeleteRaining here...snow on the way...so they say.
donna
love that topping- my orchid tree is starting this year agaIN AFTER 2 YEARS OF FROST.
ReplyDeleteStay warm Sue.
ReplyDeleteSue, I like that mint. I have a large front ditch that I am beginning to fill with rampant things. I don't want to keep weed whacking it. Mints would be a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI have admired your other posts about it.
I like the new header with the babies in the background of the fall beds.
Great Photos! Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteTake care and have a nice day :-)
And thanks for your recent comment on My Blog :-)
Mint gone wild! I have Mountain Mint, Pycanthemum virginicum which is very well behaved and somewhat shade tolerant. I have to say though, this mint is more attractive. Trade offs!
ReplyDeletePlants that run are always a challenge, aren't they? I love mine, too, but I don't want them overtaking the whole garden, either. It looks like you have a good plan there for keeping your mint in line!
ReplyDeleteWe have snow on the ground...I hope it's not for keeps just yet!
I like that mint. I need to try it (in a pot).
ReplyDeleteAhhh...I remember my Mint, loved it in tea. But now I am a full time camper. I grew my mint by my compost bin. This way I appreciated what it covered up. And if it got to close to the lawn it got mowed down.
ReplyDelete