Blephilia ciliata

Product Info

Downy Wood Mint (Blephilia ciliata)
Mint Family

This clump forming member of the mint is much better behaved than its relatives, yet still makes for an excellent groundcover. The evergreen basal foliage takes on attractive hues of purple during the winter and makes a tight clump that keeps weeds at bay. Lavender blooms whorl up short stalks in late spring/early summer over a long bloom time. Like most members of the mint family, a very diverse array of pollinators can be seen visiting the small flowers. This mint tolerates full sun, but can also take on quite a bit of shade. It makes a great woodland edge plant or border plant. Aromatic leaves and flowers are both edible.

Blooms: Lavender, 3-4 weeks, May-June
Leaves: Green, with purple tones, simple, oblong, 1-3”, very hairy, evergreen basal foliage
Height: 1-2’
Space: 12-18"
Soil: Average-Dry, clay, rocky
Exposure: Full-Part sun
Fauna: Short and long tongue bees, flies, butterflies, moths
Seeds: Small seeds tucked inside attractive dried flower heads
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 4-8
Native Status: NC native, uncommon in the Piedmont, rare in the Coastal Plains & Mountains
Provenance: NC, seed grown