Overview
Agastache is a genus of aromatic perennials in the mint family reaching 24-48 inches (60-120 cm) tall with a spread of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) and an upright, bushy, clumping habit with square stems. Native to North America and East Asia, the genus includes approximately 30 species commonly known as hyssops, giant hyssops, or hummingbird mints. Dense, bottlebrush-like flower spikes 3-8 inches (8-20 cm) long bloom from midsummer through fall in colors ranging from lavender-blue (A. foeniculum), to orange (A. aurantiaca), to coral-pink (A. 'Kudos Coral'), to purple (A. 'Blue Fortune'). Aromatic foliage—anise-scented in North American species (A. foeniculum), mint-scented in others. Drought-tolerant once established. Hardiness varies by species: A. foeniculum (anise hyssop) hardy to zone 4; A. aurantiaca and hybrids hardy to zone 5-6; A. rupestris (sunset hyssop) to zone 5.
Native Range
Agastache species are native to North America (the majority of species) and East Asia (a few species). North American species range from the Great Plains through the Rocky Mountains and into Mexico.Suggested Uses
Grown in perennial borders, pollinator gardens, herb gardens, cottage gardens, and meadow plantings. Hummingbird and pollinator magnet. Longest-blooming perennial—midsummer through frost. Aromatic foliage (anise or mint). Drought-tolerant. Deer-resistant. Herbal tea (A. foeniculum). Cut flowers. Not suitable for wet or poorly drained sites (crown rot). Short-lived 3-4 years. Self-seeds freely if not deadheaded.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Dense bottlebrush-like flower spikes 3-8 inches (8-20 cm) long from midsummer through late fall—among the longest-blooming perennials. Flower colors include lavender-blue, orange, coral, pink, purple, and white depending on species and cultivar. Hummingbird and pollinator magnet. Dried seed heads persist into winter.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lavender-blue, orange, coral, pink, purple, white depending on species/cultivar; bottlebrush spikes 3-8 inFoliage Description
Medium green; aromatic; ovate; on square stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in spring. Full sun, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.5)—good drainage is critical, especially in winter. Lean to moderate fertility. Drought-tolerant once established. Hardiness varies by species (z4-8). Cut back to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in early spring. Long bloom season midsummer through frost without deadheading. Self-seeds readily—deadhead to prevent. Short-lived perennial (3-4 years)—replace or allow self-seeding.Pruning
Cut back to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in early spring after new growth appears at base. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding, or leave seed heads for winter interest and bird food. Short-lived—replace every 3-4 years.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons