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Agastache urticifolia (Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop)

Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop, Nettle-leaf Horsemint, Horsemint Giant Hyssop, Nettle-leaf Giant Hyssop, Nettle-leaved Giant Hyssop

Agastache urticifolias, Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop, Nettle-leaf Horsemint, Lavender Agastache, Lavender Hyssop
Agastache urticifolias, Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop, Nettle-leaf Horsemint, Lavender Agastache, Lavender Hyssop
Agastache urticifolias, Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop, Nettle-leaf Horsemint, Lavender Agastache, Lavender Hyssop

Robust and long-lived, Agastache urticifolia (Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop) is a tall, herbaceous, strongly aromatic, perennial boasting dense flowering spikes, 6 in. long (15 cm), packed with tiny, white to rose or violet flowers with protruding stamens. Blooming in early to late summer, they are borne atop stout, square, glabrous leafy stems. They are a nectar source for many bees, moths, hummingbirds, and butterflies, including monarch butterflies. The leaves are triangular to egg-shaped, coarsely and irregularly serrated along the edges. Green on both surfaces, they are often purplish near the base. They emit a strong minty fragrance when crushed. The flowers give way to small seeds, and birds will feast on them. Because Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop grows in poor soils, has moderate water needs, and attracts pollinators, it is desirable for water-wise native landscaping. Highly valuable to livestock, wildlife, and pollinators, it is also desirable for use in restoration projects. Agastache urticifolia has a deep, thick, extensive fibrous root system with creeping root stalks. It will spread under favorable conditions without becoming invasive.

  • Grows up to 1-6 ft. tall (30-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Thrives in wet to dry, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Although growing in wet and dry habitats, it is not exceptionally drought tolerant. Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop tolerates a variety of soil textures and pH levels from 6 to 8. Tolerates poor soils, rocky soils, and soils lacking organic matter.
  • A good candidate for butterfly gardens, native plant gardens, or prairies and meadows.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Propagate by seed.
  • Native to the western United States and southern British Columbia.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Agastache
Common names Hyssop
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Height 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Agastache cana (Texas Hummingbird Mint)
Agastache ‘Raspberry Summer’ (Hummingbird Mint)
Agastache ‘Summer Fiesta’ (Hummingbird Mint)
Agastache ‘Summer Glow’ (Hummingbird Mint)
Agastache ‘Kudos Red’ (Hummingbird Mint)
Agastache POQUITO Butter Yellow (Dwarf Hummingbird Mint)

Recommended Companion Plants

Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa Pine)
Festuca idahoensis (Idaho Fescue)
Artemisia tridentata (Big Sagebrush)
Symphoricarpos albus (Common Snowberry)
Populus tremuloides (American Aspen)
Prunus virginiana (Chokecherry)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
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Hummingbird
Wonderful Plants That Repel Insects
Agastache (Hyssop)
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Agastache
Common names Hyssop
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Height 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Do I Need?
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Agastache (Hyssop)
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