Flowering now in a shaded part of the crevice garden is the lovely Cunila origanoides (American Dittany). Of the 20 species in the genus of shrub mints, all from the Americas, this is the only one with a US distribution, being found from in a wide band from New York west to Texas. These are typically found in rocky woodlands, so as we often do, we try them in the opposite conditions, in hopes of learning something that isn’t already known. In this case, it indeed needs shade, as all three of our trial plants in sunny locations failed to survive. American dittany has long been prized for its medicinal and culinary value, but we also find this a delightful addition to the late summer/fall woodland garden. The fragrant foliage has long been used to make tea, which is consumed to treat colds, fevers, headaches, and and induce menstruation.
Does it also need sharp drainage? (Is it deer resistant?)