Agastache, commonly known as hyssop or hummingbird mint, is a delightful genus of perennial herbs and shrubs that belong to the mint family. With their striking spikes of flowers, aromatic foliage, and attractiveness to pollinators, Agastache plants have become increasingly popular among gardeners seeking low maintenance yet visually stunning additions to their gardens.
Benefits of Growing Agastache
Agastache is a dramatic and colorful perennial with benefits extending beyond its beauty.
- Attracts Pollinators
Agastache flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. - Long Blooming Period
Many Agastache varieties bloom from late spring to early fall, providing months of colorful flowers. - Low Maintenance
Once established, Agastache is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners. - Aromatic Foliage
The leaves of Agastache exude a pleasant fragrance, which can repel pests and add an extra sensory dimension to your garden. - Versatility
Agastache plants are versatile and can be used in various settings, including borders, containers, and herb gardens.
Cultivating Agastache
Known for its easy-going nature, low-maintenance, and drought tolerance, Agastache care guidelines are easy to follow. All that’s required is:
Sunlight
Agastache thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
Soil
Well-drained soil is essential for Agastache. Incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve drainage.
Watering
Water regularly, especially during the plant’s first growing season. Once established, Agastache is drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering.
Pruning
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding. Cut back the plants in late fall or early spring to promote new growth.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.
Gardening With Agastache
Agastache can be used in garden design in a variety of ways to enhance the beauty, functionality, and ecological value of outdoor spaces. Here are several ways Agastache can be incorporated into garden design:
Pollinator Gardens
Agastache’s nectar-rich flowers make it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. Planting Agastache alongside other pollinator-friendly plants creates a vibrant habitat for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Border Plantings
Agastache’s tall, upright flower spikes add vertical interest to garden borders. Planting Agastache along borders or mixed perennial beds provides structure and color throughout the growing season, creating a dynamic and visually appealing landscape.
Container Gardens
Compact varieties of Agastache are well-suited for container gardening. Planting Agastache in containers on patios, balconies, or outdoor living spaces adds color and fragrance to small-scale gardens, allowing gardeners to enjoy its beauty up close.
Herb Gardens
Agastache, particularly species like Agastache foeniculum (anise hyssop), has culinary and medicinal uses. Incorporating Agastache into herb gardens provides both aesthetic value and practical benefits, allowing gardeners to harvest its leaves and flowers for teas, culinary dishes, and herbal remedies.
Rock Gardens
Dwarf varieties of Agastache with compact growth habits are ideal for rock gardens or alpine plantings. Their drought tolerance and heat resistance make them well-suited for these challenging environments, where they can add color and texture to rocky landscapes.
Wildlife Gardens
Agastache’s aromatic foliage and nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of beneficial insects and wildlife to the garden. Planting Agastache alongside native grasses, shrubs, and perennials creates a diverse habitat that supports birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Cutting Gardens
Certain cultivars of Agastache are excellent as cut flowers for floral arrangements. Adding Agastache to cutting gardens allows gardeners to harvest its long-lasting blooms for bouquets and indoor displays, bringing the beauty and fragrance of the garden indoors.
Fragrance Gardens
Agastache’s aromatic foliage adds sensory appeal to fragrance gardens. Planting Agastache near pathways, seating areas, or outdoor relaxation spaces allows garden visitors to enjoy its delightful scent while strolling through the garden or lounging outdoors.
Recommended Agastache Varieties
Agastache ‘Blue Boa’
Hardiness Zones: 5 – 9
Height: 24-36 inches
Color: Rich violet-blue flowers
Agastache ‘Tutti Frutti’
Hardiness Zones: 6 – 9
Height: 18-24 inches
Color: Multicolored flowers (pink, orange, lavender)
Agastache ‘Apache Sunset’
Hardiness Zones: 6 – 9
Height: 24-36 inches
Color: Sunset hues (orange, peach, rose)
Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’
Hardiness Zones: 5 – 9
Height: 24-36 inches
Color: Lavender-blue flowers
Agastache ‘Summer Sky’
Hardiness Zones: 4 – 10
Height: 18-24 inches
Color: Sky-blue flowers with lavender undertones
Agastache ‘Sonoran Sunset’
Hardiness Zones: 5 – 9
Height: 18-24 inches
Color: Sunset hues (orange, pink, lavender)
Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’
Hardiness Zones: 6 – 9
Height: 24-30 inches
Color: Soft pastel hues (pink, lavender, white)
Agastache ‘Honey Bee Blue’
Hardiness Zones: 5 – 9
Height: 18-24 inches
Color: Sky-blue flowers
Agastache ‘Golden Jubilee’
Hardiness Zones: 5 – 9
Height: 18-24 inches
Color: Golden-yellow foliage with lavender-blue flowers
Agastache ‘Mexican Giant’
Hardiness Zones: 7 – 10
Height: 24-36 inches
Color: Deep purple flowers
Agastache ‘Black Adder’
Hardiness Zones: 6 – 9
Height: 18-24 inches
Color: Deep purple flowers
Agastache ‘Apricot Sprite’
Hardiness Zones: 6 – 9
Height: 12-18 inches
Color: Apricot-orange flowers
Agastache ‘Summer Glow’
Hardiness Zones: 6 -10
Height: 24-30 inches
Color: Peachy-orange flowers
Agastache ‘Arizona Sun’
Hardiness Zones: 6 – 9
Height: 18-24 inches
Color: Bright orange flowers
Agastache ‘Acapulco Salmon & Pink’
Hardiness Zones: 5 – 10
Height: 24-36 inches
Color: Salmon-pink flowers
Agastache ‘Kudos Gold’
Hardiness Zones: 4 – 10
Height: 14-16 inches
Color: Golden-yellow flowers
Agastache ‘Heatwave’
Hardiness Zones: 5 – 10
Height: 18-24 inches
Color: Deep purple flowers
Agastache ‘Rosie Posie’
Hardiness Zones: 6 – 9
Height: 18-24 inches
Color: Rose-pink flowers
Versatile Agastache is a must-have plant for both new and seasoned gardeners. It offers beauty, fragrance, and ecological benefits. With its long blooming period, low maintenance requirements, and wide range of cultivars, there’s an Agastache variety to suit every garden style and preference. Consider adding Agastache to your landscape for years of enjoyment and beauty. Stop by and we’ll introduce you to the array of cultivars that we carry that are suitable for growing in our region.
