For those of us who live in the land of little light (of which I am one mostly-happy resident) we can grapple with good groundcover choices. So for this week’s feature plant, allow me to present a fresh option:

Meehania cordata, commonly known as Meehan’s mint or creeping mint, gets its name from American horticulturalist Thomas Meehan. While it is in the mint family–Lamiaceae–it does not have a minty fragrance. But don’t let that give you pause. A new plant to Painters this spring, we are thrilled about this North Carolina native shade tolerant groundcover!

It is a deciduous and herbaceous perennial, and it spreads politely, not thuggishly as many mints can. Meehan’s mint is a low-growing, low-maintenance plant, and an excellent complement among other woodland natives. In the spring, with a bit of dappled light, it will bloom lovely spotted lavender-blue flowers on upright stems, attracting hummingbirds and bees. It will tolerate full sun if the soil stays evenly moist, but thrives in the shade. Additionally, it can grow in dry shade (but spreads better in moist soil). The heart shaped leaves and trailing stems make it a great choice on a woodland slope.

• Type: NATIVE perennial groundcover

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-8

• Sun Exposure: Part-full shade

• Size: 12-18'' wide, 6'' tall

• Soil Needs: Thrives in rich, moist woodland soil

• Also: Deer resistant

This spring at Painters we are carrying Meehan’s mint in two sizes: 6” pots - $8.50, 1 gal - $14.00. They are looking full and fabulous so grab yours before they are gone!