Welcome to the Good Growing podcast! In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson from the University of Illinois Extension delve into the 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year: Clustered Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum muticum). Join us as we explore the unique characteristics, growing tips, and ecological benefits of this native plant.

Skip to what you want to know:

00:35    Hey Ken! It is very cold outside.
03:01    Does the cold affect Japanese beetle grubs?
05:22    The 2025 Perennial Plant of the Year is Clustered Mountain Mint
07:04    Native range
09:15    What does clustered mountain mint look like?
11:30    Pairing mountain mint with other plants.
12:34    Growth habit (form).
12:51    Full sun to part shade plant, but what happens if it gets too much shade?
13:42    Recommended locations to plant clustered mountain mint
15:05    Thoughts about potential aggressive behavior.
17:07    Why was this plant selected as perennial plant of the year?
17:45    The minty smell of clustered mountain mint.
19:52    Other mountain mints you may find in Illinois.
22:13    Mountain mint is a valuable plant for insects.
25:30    The seasonality of mountain mint.
27:12    Looking for mountain mint species at the garden centers.
29:34    Thank yous and coming up next week.

 

Perennial Plant Association, Perennial Plant of the Year - Clustered Mountain Mint https://perennialplant.org/page/2025PPOY

Characterization of Odorants in Clustered Mountain Mint Pycnanthemum muticum
Assessing pollinator richness on urban-grown mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) populations
Variation in Insect Richness on Six Prairie Plant Species 

Contact us!
Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu
Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu 

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Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

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