Agastache rugosa (Korean Mint) is a short-lived, erect, herbaceous perennial with eye-catching purple flower spikes, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), held over a light-green aromatic foliage of stiff, toothed leaves. Edible, the leaves exude an anise scent when crushed. Its long flowering season, showy flower spikes, licorice-scented foliage, low maintenance and deer resistance explain its great popularity among gardeners! And it is not only pleasing to people. Bees, hummingbirds and butterflies adore it too.
- On display from midsummer to early fall, it forms clumps of erect, branched stems up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm), which add lovely vertical lines to the landscape.
- Ideal to add color in the late season garden when many other plants are fading.
- Provides a bold and striking impact in beds, borders, cottage gardens, herb gardens, butterfly gardens or in prairie plantings. Ideal for naturalistic planting schemes. Great as cut flowers too!
- Best grown in full sun, in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates almost any soils, including dry, poor soils. While a sturdy plant, it may require staking if planted in rich, moist soils or in exposed locations. Dislikes damp conditions and needs excellent drainage!
- Attracts streams of hummingbirds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
- Drought tolerant once established.
- Generally disease and pest free (might occasionally be subject to powdery mildew) and resistant to deer and rabbits.
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote additional bloom.
- Propagate by seed or by division in spring
- Native to China, Japan
