“There are bees on our new plants,” Nancy said.
“That’s good,” I responded, thinking she may have seen a couple of honeybees. But there weren’t just a couple, there were dozens and dozens of honeybees dipping in and among the tiny white blossoms of our two Mountain Mint plants. I often go an entire summer and don’t see that many. These lovely plants are amazing bee attractors.
Last fall, Nancy did a little research into plants she might introduce near our goldfish pond that would attract insects and hopefully provide some snacks for our frogs. She was advised of two – Little Adder and Mountain Mint and we found both perennials at my favorite nursery – Corner Store Garden Center in Ruckersville. She bought two of each and planted them beside our pond.
I have never before seen a plant that attracts honeybees like Mountain Mint – Short Toothed Mountain Mint to be exact.
It was described as a “pollinator magnet” by the Garden Club of America.
The plant is not particular and will grow in sun and partial shade, in wet or dry conditions, and it helps in spots that may need some erosion control. The mint variety begins flowering in late June and continues throughout the summer. One gardener noted that over 130 species of insects had visited his garden and that mountain mint was by far the most popular.
Our other planting, Little Adder, also attracts lots of insects It’s a showy, compact perennial with plumes of rich purple flowers that attract hummingbirds all summer long. The mint-scented foliage is lovely. The plant is water wise, heat-loving, and deer-resistant. Lots of bumble bees feed on its nectar, but the honeybees much prefer Mountain Mint.
A big problem for backyard gardeners and farmers alike is the lack of pollinators, especially honeybees. The answer may be Mountain Mint. Next year, I’m going to put a couple plants in my vegetable garden. I know this will help as it attracts honeybees, and they need all the help we can give them. Why not give the bees a treat? Plant some Mountain Mint. Track it down early before the stores run out.