Anise Hyssop, Anise Mint, Blue Giant Hyssop, Fragrant Giant Hyssop, Hummingbird Mint
Agastache, also known as Hyssop, is a versatile perennial plant prized for its aromatic foliage and stunning flowers, attracting pollinators with its vibrant colors and abundant nectar.
Agastache is a genus of aromatic flowering plants in the mint family, commonly called Hummingbird Mint or Hyssop.
Native: Agastache species are mostly native to North America, with a high concentration in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. There are about 30 species of Agastache, but only four are typically found in our gardens: Agastache foeniculum, Agastache mexicana, Agastache rugosa, and Agastache rupestris.
Habit and Size: Most Agastache plants are upright, clump-forming perennials that typically grow between 1 and 3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, with a similar spread. Some species can reach up to 6 feet (180 cm).
Flowers: The tubular flowers are arranged in dense spikes, creating a striking display. They are stunning and vibrant, coming in a variety of colors, such as purple, pink, orange, and yellow.
Foliage: The foliage is typically lance-shaped, with a slightly serrated edge, and ranges in color from green to blue-green. When crushed, the leaves release a strong, often mint-like fragrance.
Blooming Season: Agastache plants generally bloom from early summer to early fall, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
Hardiness: They’re generally hardy from USDA zones 5 through 10, although this can vary slightly depending on the species.
Uses: Agastache is popular for use in perennial borders, herb gardens, butterfly gardens, and cottage gardens. It’s also used in natural medicine, and some species are edible with a mint or licorice-like flavor.
Pollinators: The flowers are highly attractive to a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, hence the common name “Hummingbird Mint.”
Toxicity: Agastache is not considered toxic to humans or pets.
Deer & Rabbit: Agastache is generally resistant to both deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for areas where these creatures are common.
Drought: Once established, Agastache plants are highly drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
Invasiveness: Agastache is not typically considered invasive, although it can self-seed under ideal conditions.
Key Facts: Agastache’s nectar-rich flowers and fragrant foliage make it a standout plant for attracting and supporting beneficial wildlife. At the same time, its deer and rabbit resistance coupled with its drought-tolerance makes it an easy-care option for many gardeners. Its culinary and medicinal uses also add to its value in both the ornamental and the functional garden.
Hardiness |
5 - 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 12 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Genus | Agastache |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Midwest, South Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Illinois, Oregon, Idaho, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Southeast, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
Photo: / 123RF Stock Photo
Hardiness |
5 - 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
5 - 12 |
Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Genus | Agastache |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, California, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Midwest, South Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Illinois, Oregon, Idaho, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Southeast, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!