Meehan's mint (Meehania cordata)

Overview

Meehania cordata, widely recognized as Meehan’s mint, is an ecologically valuable herbaceous perennial native to the rich woodlands of the Eastern United States. Gardeners value this plant for its ability to form a dense, attractive, yet manageable mat ideal for suppressing weeds in challenging shady environments. Unlike some aggressive mint relatives, Meehania cordata spreads via stolons but remains relatively controllable.

This low-growing perennial features heart-shaped leaves and produces charming, two-lipped lavender blue flowers atop short spikes in late spring. It thrives where many traditional ground covers struggle, offering visual interest and reliable coverage in deep shade conditions across USDA Zones 4 through 8.

The selection of Meehania cordata brings a refined, native ground cover option to woodland gardens and shady borders. Its overall low maintenance requirements and appealing spring bloom make it a long-term, sustainable choice for softening hardscapes and filling in woodland expanses.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Eastern United States
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.25-0.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.25-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Lavender blue
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal establishment, plant Meehan’s mint in rich, humusy soils that offer good drainage. While it prefers part shade conditions typical of its native woodland environment, it tolerates deep shade very well. If planted in full sun, you must ensure the soil remains uniformly moist, as this plant is less drought-tolerant in brighter locations.

Watering should be consistent initially to encourage root establishment. Once mature, Meehania cordata thrives with medium, regular moisture levels. Fertilization is rarely required if the native soil conditions—rich and humusy—are met. Avoid heavy amendments that might encourage overly lush growth at the expense of flowering.

Since this is a low-maintenance ground cover, pruning is minimal. Deadheading is generally unnecessary as the flowers fade. Any trimming required is usually just to control spread or remove overwintered foliage in early spring. Meehania cordata spreads via stolons, which allows it to fill in areas naturally, but monitor it in tight spots to prevent encroachment.

Landscape Uses

Meehania cordata excels as a spreading ground cover, making it perfect for naturalizing under mature trees where sunlight penetration is limited. Its low profile (under 6 inches) keeps sightlines open while effectively carpeting bare soil, which is beneficial for weed suppression.

Consider using this attractive native for planting in woodland gardens or shady border areas where its creeping habit forms a lush, green backdrop. While low-growing mounds of Meehan’s mint are effective alone, pair it with spring ephemeral bulbs or taller, shade-loving ferns to add vertical contrast throughout the season. It is an excellent choice when you need reliable, low-profile foliage coverage.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Meehania cordata, commonly called Meehan’s mint or creeping mint, is a stoloniferous, mat-forming mint that resembles in appearance the common lawn and garden weed known as gill-over-the-ground or ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), but it does not exhibit the very aggressive tendencies of the latter. It is native from western Pennsylvania to North Carolina, Tennessee and Illinois, where it typically occurs in rich woods and wooded slopes. This is a low-growing perennial with trailing square stems and opposite broadly heart shaped green leaves (to 1” long) with crenate margins.

Tolerances

• Heavy Shade

Potential Problems

Meehania cordata generally exhibits robust health with no serious insect or disease problems historically recorded. Gardeners should remain vigilant, however, as it shows some susceptibility to slugs and snails, which are common pests in moist, shady understories. Watch for silvery trails or ragged leaf damage, particularly during damp weather, and manage these mollusks using organic barrier methods or baits if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Meehan’s mint suitable for?

Meehania cordata is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 8, making it adaptable to many regions in the Eastern and Midwestern United States.

How large does Meehan’s mint grow?

This perennial typically reaches a height between 0.25 and 0.5 feet, spreading outwards to encompass 0.25 to 1.5 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Meehania cordata need?

Meehan’s mint performs best in part shade to full shade conditions, reflecting its native habitat in wooded areas.

When does Meehania cordata bloom?

You can expect the flowers of Meehania cordata to appear from May through June, displaying attractive lavender blue hues.

Conclusion

Meehania cordata provides a beautiful, low-effort solution for ground cover challenges, particularly in shaded sections of the landscape. Its creeping habit and attractive mid-spring color confirm why Meehan’s mint remains a favored choice for woodland garden restoration and naturalizing projects. Before planting, confirm that your site receives the medium moisture levels this perennial prefers to ensure long-term success.

Companion Planting in Shade

Selecting appropriate companions ensures a thriving layered look in the shade garden where Meehan’s mint excels as the lowest layer. Look for plants that share the preference for rich, medium-moisture soil but offer different textures and heights. Hostas, while varying greatly in size, provide broad leaf contrasts to the small, heart-shaped leaves of Meehania cordata.

Alternatively, consider ferns, such as various species of Dryopteris or Athyrium, whose architectural fronds create excellent vertical relief above the purple-tinged flowers of the mint in spring. Because Meehan’s mint spreads effectively, ensure companions do not aggressively compete with its root zone but rather complement its low-growing stature.

Seasonal Care Calendar

For early spring, conduct a light cleanup, removing any lingering winter debris to allow fresh growth of the Meehania cordata to emerge unobstructed. This is also a good time to lightly top-dress the area with compost if the soil structure needs improvement, feeding the humus-loving roots.

Summer care centers primarily on checking water needs, especially during dry spells, as medium moisture is crucial for performance. If the plant experiences high heat combined with drought, supplemental watering will keep the foliage lush and green. Little to no intervention is needed during the late summer and fall months as the plant naturally winds down before winter dormancy.