Guide for Gardeners, Plant Collectors, and Plant Enthusiasts: All About Agastache
Agastache: Fragrant, Colorful, and Pollinator-Friendly Perennials
Agastache plants, also known as hyssop or anise hyssop, are aromatic, flowering perennials that are a popular choice for gardens due to their colorful flower spikes, fragrant foliage, and attraction to pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Characteristics
Agastache plants form dense mounded or upright clumps, depending on the variety, with fragrant leaves often emitting scents ranging from anise/licorice to root beer. Floral spikes come in various colors such as mango-orange, lavender-blue, violet, and soft orange with hints of purple. Flowering occurs mainly from late spring through fall, with some varieties blooming late summer into autumn.
These plants attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and hawk moths. They exhibit drought tolerance, deer resistance, heat tolerance, and generally require low maintenance. Heights vary by variety, from about 16" to over 3 feet tall, with widths ranging from 12" to 30".
Growing Conditions
Agastache plants thrive in full sun to part shade, with preference for sun exposure for best flowering. They are typically hardy in USDA zones 4 to 10 depending on the species or hybrid. Light watering needs once established; drought tolerant. For example, Sunset Hyssop (Agastache rupestris) requires watering as little as twice per month. Well-drained soil is essential, with some varieties thriving in humus-rich woodland soil, while others handle arid conditions and dry prairies. Monthly feeding during the growing season supports robust growth. Usually, 16" to 30" apart depending on the variety's mature size is recommended for spacing.
Notable Varieties
| Variety Name | Description | Height | Flower Color | Hardiness Zone | Key Features | |-----------------------|---------------------------------|--------|---------------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------------| | Agastache aurantiaca ‘Mango Tango’ | Compact mounded habit with mango-orange flowers; dusky rose calyxes | 16-18" | Mango-orange flowers | 6a - 9b | Attracts butterflies & hummingbirds; fragrant scented foliage; drought and deer resistant[1] | | Agastache hybrid ‘Purple Haze’ | Upright habit with cool violet-blue flowers lasting into fall | ~38" | Violet-blue | 6a - 10b | Deer resistant, drought tolerant, heat tolerant[3] | | Agastache rupestris (Sunset Hyssop) | Upright clump-forming with soft orange and purple flowers; aromatic gray-green leaves | 24-36" | Orange with purple hues | 4b - 10 | Attracts hummingbirds and hawk moths; very drought tolerant; native to high deserts[4] | | Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) | Lavender-blue flower spikes with minty, anise/licorice fragrance; culinary uses | 24-48" | Lavender-blue | 4 - 8 | Attracts pollinators, edible flowers, drought tolerant, deer resistant[5] |
Agastache plants are prized in perennial gardens for their long blooming period, aromatic foliage, and ability to thrive with minimal water once established. They are particularly effective for supporting pollinator habitats and adding vibrant colors from summer through fall.
In cultivation, sowing seeds 1-2 weeks after the last frost or indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date is recommended, with seeds barely covered and thinned to appropriate spacing as seedlings grow[5]. These plants appreciate well-drained soil and full sun but tolerate some shade depending on the variety.
Overall, Agastache species and hybrids combine ornamental beauty with functional ecological benefits, making them attractive choices for drought-tolerant and wildlife-friendly gardens. For those looking to buy an Agastache plant, nurseries and online suppliers offer a wide selection of both seeds and plugs. A light application of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring is sufficient for Agastache plants. Aphids or spider mites might be attracted to stressed Agastache plants in rare cases. Agastache plants are well-suited to dry, sunny environments. Slugs are not typically a concern due to the aromatic leaves in Agastache plants.
Whether you're growing them from seed, selecting standout cultivars like Blue Fortune or Firebird, or simply adding texture to your landscape, Agastache offers strong ecological and ornamental value. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continued flowering in Agastache plants. They also have a place in herbal tea gardens thanks to their edible, aromatic leaves. The upright form and colorful spikes provide structure and height, especially when planted in groups or paired with plants like ornamental grasses, echinacea, or rudbeckia.
Poor drainage is the leading issue for Agastache plants, often causing root rot or crown rot, especially in clay-heavy soils or during prolonged wet conditions. Ensuring proper soil structure and raised planting beds can prevent poor drainage in Agastache plants. Agastache seeds require light to germinate and benefit from cold stratification. The Agastache Firebird plant has tall, slender spires of warm red-orange flowers.
- Agastache plants, with their colorful flower spikes and attractive foliage, are popular choices for Gardens, adding vibrant colors from summer through fall and supporting pollinator habitats.
- These plants, ranging in height from 16" to over 3 feet tall, are suitable for various hardiness zones, making them perfect additions to home-and-garden spaces.
- The Art of landscaping can be enhanced with Agastache plants, as they pair well with other plants like Ornamental Grasses, Echinacea, or Rudbeckia, providing structure and height.
- Whether you're an avid Gardener or simply seeking to improve your home's lifestyle, Agastache plants offer strong ecological and ornamental value, making them a desirable choice for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.
- To ensure the health and continuous blooming of Agastache plants, it's essential to provide them with proper growing conditions, such as well-drained soil, full sun, and occasional fertilization, while being mindful of potential pests like Aphids or Spider mites.
