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Downy Wood Mint

Blephilia ciliata

Perennial

Downy Wood Mint

Blephilia ciliata

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Growing Conditions

Light Sun – Part Shade

Water Dry – Medium

Soil Loam

Size 1-1.5'

Bloom Lavender, Jun–Jul

Why Grow It

Deer Resistant Great for gardens without fencing

Pollinator Magnet Attracts many types of pollinators

Drought Tolerant Thrives with little water once established

Ground Cover Fills in to form a living carpet

Did You Know?

As a member of the mint family, Downy Wood Mint has the signature square stems and aromatic leaves that deer and rabbits strongly avoid.

Unlike many mints, this species is well-behaved in the garden — it spreads slowly by rhizomes from a central taproot rather than aggressively taking over.

The flowers are arranged in distinctive stacked tiers (pagoda-like whorls) along the stem, earning it the alternate name 'Downy Pagoda-plant.'

Wildlife Value

🐝

Native Bees Specialized bees depend on mint family pollen

🦋

Skippers & Moths Visit nectar-rich blooms in early summer

🐝

Beneficial Wasps Attracted to abundant nectar during scarce period

Good Companions

🌿 Wild Geranium 🌸 Woodland Phlox 🌼 Black-eyed Susan 🌾 Pennsylvania Sedge

Planting Guide

Plant in part shade to full sun in dry to medium soil.
Space 12–15 inches apart; forms tidy clumps.
Very drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.

Plant Details

Made with ♥ by Lu Li