The Story
Plant Bio
Monardella odoratissima, known as mountain coyote mint, is a low-growing, clump-forming perennial subshrub native to the mountainous regions of western North America. The opposite, lanceolate leaves range from green to blue-gray, often tinged with purple, and release a strong mint fragrance when bruised or crushed.
The species is distinguished by its dense, terminal head-like flower clusters surrounded by colorful bracts, which display shades from pale pink to deep purple throughout the summer. These nectar-rich blooms serve as a primary food source for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in arid montane ecosystems.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24"
Width
36"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Western North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Summer – Late summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site with full sun or afternoon part shade in hot inland regions, ensuring the soil is highly permeable and rocky or sandy.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent water pooling.
- Water sparingly during the first growing season to establish the root system, then transition to minimal supplemental watering once established.
- Shear the stems back by up to one-third in late fall or after the final winter freeze to maintain a compact, rounded form.
Pro Tip
Plant in lean, gravelly, or sandy soils with sharp drainage; excess soil nutrients and organic mulch cause weak, floppy growth and promote root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Grow in low-fertility, sharply draining mineral substrates.
- Provide full sun or light afternoon shade in hot climates.
- Prune lightly after winter to prevent a leggy, woody habit.
Don't
- Do not apply heavy organic fertilizers, which cause weak and floppy growth.
- Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils.
- Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood as it will fail to reshoot.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Mountain Coyote Mint questions
What zones can Mountain Coyote Mint grow in?
Mountain Coyote Mint is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Mountain Coyote Mint deer resistant?
Yes — Mountain Coyote Mint is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Mountain Coyote Mint bloom?
Mountain Coyote Mint typically blooms in summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Mountain Coyote Mint need full sun?
Mountain Coyote Mint does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Mountain Coyote Mint drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mountain Coyote Mint handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Mountain Coyote Mint with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.