Description Hairy wood mint (Blephilia ciliata) isn’t one of the most spectacular perennials, but it has some valuable traits, including a handsome form, minty-scented foliage, and clustered flowers that attract a wide variety of bees. It blooms through much of the summer, with tiered whorls of white to purple-tinged, purple-spotted flowers atop upright, 2- to 3-foot-tall stems. This species can spread by rhizomes, but in my experience, it’s not nearly as aggressive as other spreading mints can be: it’s more like a gradually expanding clump. And, it is reportedly deer-resistant. Hairy wood mint is native to many parts of the eastern half of North America. It’s best in partial shade with average to moist but well-drained soil. I mistakenly put my plants in full sun and they did all right, but the leaves bleached out there, while the plants in shade were a richer green in leaf. Perennial; Zones 4 to 8. Collected in October 2025. At least 15 seeds. Unknown ecotype. Shipping to U.S. addresses only. Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
