In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Agastache plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
The common names for the Hardy perennial Agastache include Hyssop Mosquito plant, and Hummingbird mints.
Plants typically bloom in the Summer with spiked flowers.
Agastache are large plants that can grow between 60 and 180 cm (2 to 6 feet) in height.
Hyssop may have spikes of blue, green or purple flowers. These plants are beautiful as part of a wild-flower garden.
Agastache Apricot sprite photograph by Anniesannuals.
Known as Anise Hyssop, Agastache foeniculum is a perennial plant that can reach a height of 48 inches (1.2 m). Its unique features include vibrant purple-blue flowers, licorice-scented leaves, and square stems.
It is grown in gardens for its attractive flowers and aromatic leaves. The plant thrives in a location with full sun, and a well-drained soil. It is often used in borders, herb gardens, or as a part of pollinator-friendly plantings as it is very attractive to bees and butterflies.
Agastache rugosa, commonly referred to as Korean Mint, is a perennial plant that reaches up about 36 inches (90 cm). Plant's stand out for their stiff, square stems, toothed leaves, and whorls of violet-blue flowers.
In the garden, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It's often cultivated for borders or herb gardens, and used for its beautiful flowers and aromatic foliage. As it attracts pollinators it can greatly enhance a garden's biodiversity.
Also known as Mexican Hyssop, the Agastache mexicana plant is a herbaceous perennial. It can grow up to 36 inches (90 cm) in height. This plant features aromatic foliage, and tubular, red to pink flowers.
Grow in an area with full sun and well-drained soil. It is a good choice for borders, rock gardens, or containers. It not only adds color and fragrance to the garden, but also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Agastache aurantiaca is commonly called the Orange Hummingbird Mint. It is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 30 inches (75 cm). It is known for its lance-shaped leaves and spikes of tubular, orange flowers.
This plant is best grown in full sun, in well-drained soils. It is perfect for growing in borders and beds. As the common name suggests, it makes a great choice for attracting hummingbirds to your garden.
The Agastache cana is a perennial herb is able to reach up to 36 inches (91 cm) tall. It is commonly known as Mosquito Plant or Hummingbird Mint. This Agastache plant is recognized by its grey-green leaves, square stems, and spikes of pink to rose-purple flowers.
In a garden setting, it enjoys full sun, and requires a dry to medium moistured, well-drained soil. It can be perfect for herb gardens or borders. The plant gets its common name from the fragrance emmited frpm its leaves. This scent repels mosquitoes, thus making it an attractive choice for pest control in gardens.
It is best to sow Hyssop and Mosquito plant seeds just below the soil surface, with a spacing of 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches), in the autumn.
Agastache prefers lightly shaded or preferably full sunlight conditions.
The soil should not be rich if you want good blooms. It should be well drained.
Seeds require between 30 and 90 days to germinate.
When starting off indoors it is best to sow them seven to eight weeks before planting outside, at a temperature of 13 degrees centigrade.
Agastache Care: They should be fed with fertiliser once a year in the spring. Agastache plants generally take two years to come into bloom after initial planting
Replace after two years of flowering for best results.
The Agastache genus contains about 22 species.
Yes, Agastache, known as Hyssop or Hummingbird Mint, is a popular choice for borders and attracts pollinators.
Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop) and Agastache rugosa (Korean Mint) are frequently grown.
Yes, Agastache plants are known for their fragrant foliage and flowers, often with a scent of mint or licorice.
Agastache prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Agastache is not generally considered invasive in the USA.
To remove Agastache, simply dig up the plant, ensuring to remove all roots to prevent regrowth.
The Agastache genus, known as Hyssop or Hummingbird Mint, contains perennial plants with aromatic foliage and tubular flowers. Native to North and Central America, Agastache plants thrive in well-drained soil and full sun exposure. They are drought-tolerant and withstand hot and dry conditions. Regular watering, especially during the first growing season, is necessary. Propagation can be done through seeds or division. Agastache species are used in herb and pollinator gardens and as border plants, attracting beneficial insects.
Agastache plants offer visual appeal, aromatic foliage, and attract pollinators. The vibrant tubular flowers act as magnets for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making Agastache an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Their ability to thrive in challenging conditions and their ornamental value make Agastache species a favorite among gardeners seeking visually stunning and ecologically beneficial spaces.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on Agastache. You may also enjoy the following garden growing guides: How to grow Perilla and Melissa plants.