Perennials

Agastache 'Blue Fortune'

Blue Fortune Hummingbird Mint

Lamiaceae

Garden hybrid (Agastache foeniculum × Agastache rugosa parentage)

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (moderate)
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Agastache 'Blue Fortune' is an upright, clump-forming perennial reaching 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. This hybrid cultivar is a cross between A. foeniculum and A. rugosa. Stems are square in cross-section, branching from the base, with opposite, gray-green leaves 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long with toothed margins. Foliage is aromatic, releasing a mint-anise scent when bruised. Flower spikes are dense, cylindrical, 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) long, composed of densely packed lavender-blue tubular flowers. Bloom occurs July through October, with individual spikes lasting 3–4 weeks and successive spikes extending the total bloom period to 8–10 weeks. Unlike A. foeniculum, this cultivar is a sterile hybrid and does not self-seed. Growth rate is moderate; plants reach mature size within 1–2 growing seasons. Stems become somewhat woody at the base in mild climates. Plants are short-lived in heavy, wet winter soils, typically declining after 3–4 years in poorly drained conditions. Root rot (Pythium, Phytophthora species) develops in waterlogged soils. Foliage is generally avoided by deer and rabbits.

Native Range

'Blue Fortune' is a garden hybrid, a cross between A. foeniculum (native to central and northern North America) and A. rugosa (native to eastern Asia). The cultivar originated in the Netherlands.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in perennial borders, pollinator gardens, and herb gardens at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Sterile hybrid does not self-seed, making it suited to formal plantings. Not suited to heavy clay soils, waterlogged winter sites, or shaded locations with fewer than 6 hours of direct sun.

How to Identify

Distinguished from A. foeniculum by sterility (no self-seeding), denser flower spikes, and slightly broader leaves. Square stems and opposite, toothed, aromatic leaves are characteristic of the genus. Flower spikes are 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) long, denser and more compact than those of A. foeniculum. Foliage releases a mint-anise scent when crushed, less strongly licorice-scented than A. foeniculum.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue
purple

Foliage Colors

green
gray

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks
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SummerFall
Flowers July through October in zones 5–9. Individual flower spikes last 3–4 weeks; successive spikes extend the total bloom period to 8–10 weeks. In zone 9, bloom may begin in late June. Bloom decreases in late September in zones 5–6 as temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Lavender-blue

Foliage Description

Gray-green, aromatic, opposite, toothed margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water sparingly once established; plants tolerate drought and decline in overwatered conditions. Well-drained soil is critical — root rot develops in waterlogged winter soils, reducing lifespan to 2–3 years in heavy clay. Plants require full sun for 6 or more hours daily; stems become lax and flowering decreases in partial shade. No regular fertilization is needed; excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Spider mites may develop in hot, dry conditions. Plants are short-lived in humid climates with heavy winter soils, typically persisting 3–5 years.

Pruning

Cut all stems to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) above ground in early spring (March–April) before new growth emerges. Dried flower spikes can be left through winter for structure and seed-head interest. Deadheading spent spikes during the growing season encourages a second flush of flowers. Do not cut stems back in fall, as the dried structure protects the crown from winter moisture.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic