Items 1 to 27 of 27 total
Items 1 to 27 of 27 total
Agastache
Uses:
- Borders
- Xeriscaping
- Butterfly Gardens
Features:
- Pest Resistant
- Drought Tolerant
- Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
- Aromatic Leaves
Sunlight:
- Full Sun
- 6+ Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 4-10
- What is My Zone?
Agastache is a long-blooming perennial that attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees. These tough plants also have aromatic foliage that can be used in cooking and making tea.
About Agastache
Genus
Species
Family
Agastache
Includes various species such as Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop), Agastache mexicana, Agastache rugosa, and many others
Lamiaceae
Common Names:
Hyssop, Giant Hyssop, Anise Hyssop, Hummingbird Mint
Native To:
North America and East Asia
Plant Type:
Perennials
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
5–10
Flower Color:
Shades of purple, blue, pink, orange, and white
Flower Bloom Time:
Late spring to early fall (depending on species)
Growth Habit:
Upright, clump-forming
Attracts:
Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Tolerates:
Drought, heat, and poor soil once established
Resists:
Deer and rabbits
How To Use Agastache In The Garden
Agastache, commonly known as hyssop or hummingbird mint, is a perennial herb notable for its aromatic foliage and tubular flowers. The bright flowers draw pollinators and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. The plant's minty, herby fragrance adds sensory appeal to gardens. Its leaves and flowers are edible and can be dried to make herbal tea.
Compact varieties are suitable for rock gardens, pairing well with creeping succulents, thyme, and dianthus. They also thrive in curbside plantings alongside other low-water perennials like lavender and catmint. Additionally, agastache fits well in herb gardens due to its culinary and medicinal uses.
Agastache Care
Agastache needs a position in full sun with well-draining soil; incorporating small gravel or sand can enhance drainage. After planting, water regularly until the plant is mature and can live on rainfall alone. Additional fertilization is generally unnecessary, as Agastache grows well in lean, dry soils.
Early in the spring, when plants reach 6-12 inches, pinch back growth tips to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Regular deadheading of spent flowers extends the blooming period and reduces self-seeding. In the fall or early spring, cut back all top growth to within 4-6 inches above the soil to promote healthy new growth. For container-grown Agastache, ensure pots have drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix. During winter, move containers to a sheltered location to protect from harsh weather.
Learn More About Agastache
Agastache Companion Plants
Companions must tolerate baking sun, quick-draining soil, and occasional watering, which suit Agastache’s xeric lifestyle. Coneflower mirrors its long pollinator-friendly bloom and shrugs off drought, while yarrow threads months of dome-shaped clusters through the border on equally sparse care. A tuft of red hot poker lends airy movement without hogging water, and salvia anchors the scene with an upright structure that thrives in the same lean, sun-soaked ground.
