Agastache cana (Texas Hummingbird Mint)

Agastache cana (Texas Hummingbird Mint) is a robust, upright, bushy perennial with attractive spikes of tubular, sweetly fragrant, rose-pink tubular flowers from early summer to early fall. Adding lovely vertical lines to the landscape, they are attractive to bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Butterflies are essentially drawn in by the scent of the flowers, while hummingbirds are attracted to the sweet nectar and tubular-shaped blossoms. The flowers are borne atop sturdy stems clothed with oval, pointed, gray-green leaves, 1.5 in. long (4 cm). The foliage is aromatic and exudes a pleasant scent of mint bubblegum when bruised, hence the ‘Bubblegum Mint’ common name. Native to New Mexico and western Texas, where it can be found in crevices and cracks of granite cliffs or in canyon edges, Agastache cana is a reliable choice for borders, containers, and rock gardens. The leaves may be used fresh or dried to make herbal teas. The flower spikes are lovely additions to fresh-cut or dried arrangements. Agastache cana is also known for being a natural mosquito repellent.

• Grows up to 18-36 in. tall (45-90 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm). Will spread by rhizomes and self-seeding in the garden.
• Performs best in full sun, in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, drought, poor soils, summer heat, and humidity.
• Great for beds and borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, herb gardens, rock gardens, or containers. Excellent cut flowers.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Cut back the faded flower stems in fall or leave them for winter interest and cut back in spring.
• Propagate by seed or by division.
• Native to New Mexico and western Texas.