Will Orange Mint choke out Milkweed, Bee Balm and/or Butterfly Bush? Or should I keep the Orange Mint potted, and choose an

Question

alternative for ground cover in my butterfly garden?

Answer 1

Orange mint, just like other mints, is aggressive in the garden and can take over. It could be contained in a pot that is sunk into the ground. Since it's a butterfly garden, you can tuck in low growing annuals/perennials that are also butterfly attractants or hosts. For example, parsley, marigolds, sweet alyssum, verbena, viola, passion vine. Groundcovers such as ajuga, hardy plumbago and creeping sedums aren't too aggressive.

You may want room for your bee balm to reseed and milkweed to spread, so you may not want any groundcover. Plus too many plants all will be competing for nutrients from the soil and water. Mulch will prevent reseeding, but if you aren't looking for that, mulch will help regulate temperature and retain moisture among your perennials.

Here is more information:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mint/growing-orange-mint-herbs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/butterfly-gardening-in-zone-5.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/zone-6-ground-covers.htm

Answer 2

Yes, in your zone it will become absolutely invasive. I would recommend keeping them in container, and trimming the flowers before they get a chance to seed.

Allowing mint out of container in your area will result in a rampant invasion over a short span of a year or two.

Should you end up having a rogue mint escape, this article will help you with their control, and offer information on alternatives to planting in ground: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mint/invasive-mint-how-to-kill-mint-plants.htm