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Botanical/Latin
Agastache
Pronunciation
a-gah-sta-kee
Common Name
Mexican Hyssop
Hardiness zone range
6 - 9
General Comments
Superb sun loving members of the mint
family, Agastache forms rounded (non-running)
clumps of pleasantly scented, aromatic foliage.
They have short spikes of long lasting flowers in
shades of pink, apricot, and lavender that are
produced on erect sturdy stems from early summer
through autumn until the arrival of frost.
Uses
Agastache are remarkably heat
and drought tolerant perennials, perfect in sunny
beds and borders, on raised beds or in plantings
around swimming pools and patios.
The flowers are long lasting and make excellent
cut flowers. They can be either used fresh or
dried. They contain large amounts of nectar so
butterflies, hummingbirds and bees flock to the
plants and return frequently for repeated
helpings!
Light Preference
Full Sun
Culture
Agastache are not troubled by
any serious pests and diseases and are generally
easy to care for. The most important things are
good drainage and reasonably fertile conditions;
light sandy or free draining soils that have been
amended by adding additional organic matter are
ideal. Additional nutrients can be supplied with
light dressings of well balanced granular
fertilizers applied in spring and periodically
during the growing season or by liquid feeding.
They require little maintenance except an
occasional trim after flowering to remove old
flower stems; this encourages new growth and
renewed flowering.
Background
The popularity of these fine
plants steadily increases as they become better
known and appreciated. The main garden varieties
are derived from native North American species
found in fields, scrub and hillsides in Southern
United States, Mexico and as far North as Ontario,
Canada. The botanical name means many spikes,
referring to the spikes of flowers.
The most popular and best known species is A.
foeniculum, (the name means scent like fennel).
Cheyenne Indians called it "elk mint". They boiled
the leaves in water to make a refreshing tea and
when allowed to get cold, it was used as a remedy
for coughs and ailments of the chest.
It was introduced to cultivation in 1829 and was
variously classified by botanists as Lophanthus
and Cedronella, before finally becoming
Agastache.
The cultivar 'Blue Fortune' is an excellent
selection of this species and is the most widely
grown.
As recently as 1938 during an expedition to
mountainous regions in Mexico, a new species was
discovered and introduced by Edward K. Balls. He
was collecting wild species of potatoes for the
Imperial Agricultural Bureau when he discovered a
species with dark pink and crimson flowers. It was
named Agastache mexicana and its
introduction led to the development of several
promising new hybrids with flowers in shades of
pink, apricot and red. We offer the ones that have
proven to be the best in our trials.
Splendor Suggestions
The foliage is pleasantly
fragrant, releasing fruity aromas that resemble
anise, mint and lemon when crushed or bruised.
Why not create an extra dimension to your garden
by placing them near paths or entrances where they
can be brushed against by passing clothing? It is
a nice experience to share with visiting friends;
encourage them to pick a leaf or two. They will be
pleasantly surprised.
Companion Plants
They combine well with other
herbal perennials like Artemisias, Lavandula
(lavender), the Wall Germander, Teucrium
chamaedrys, or ornamental oregano, Oreganum
'Herrenhausen'. They contrast well with the bold
flowers of Echinacea (Cone flowers) and Rudbeckia
(Black Eyed Susan) or the globular heads of
Echinops (Globe Thistle). In mixed borders, try
them with Caryopteris (Blue Spirea), Buddleias
(Butterfly Bushes), and the Chaste tree, Vitex
agnus-castus.