Agastache, also called Hummingbird Mint, or Hyssop is an aromatic, herbaceous perennial and like their namesake suggests,
they are a favorite of hummingbirds as well as other pollinators, especially bees. Members of the mint family contain the chemical methyl eugenol in their pollen and nectar that supports bees because it is nutritious and has antibacterial/antifungal properties.
Both the leaves and flowers are edible with a minty licorice flavor and are used fresh in salads, cooking and teas. Teas made from the plant are reported to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties among other health benefits.
Most species are very upright, 2-4’ tall, with stiff, angular stems with toothed-edged, lance shaped leaves. Upright spikes of tubular, two-lipped flowers develop at the stem tips in summer. The Agastache flower is commonly found in purple to lavender, but may also bloom in pink, rose, blue, white, and orange such as the Mango Tango variety.
Plant Agastache in an area with well-drained soil and full sun. It can be transplanted as a mature plant, started indoors or you can plant seeds into the garden in the spring in zones 4 to 10. The bloom time is from early summer to fall. Most plants can survive temperatures down to 10 F. (-12 C.) if heavily mulched. Provide plenty of water when the plants are establishing. Once they are established, plants are drought tolerant and can go weeks without watering, making it a low maintenance plant.
Agastache has few problems and is both disease and pest resistant making the need for chemical pesticides and other chemical treatments that are harmful to the pollinators that feed on them unnecessary. Both deer and rabbits also tend to avoid them.
Check out the numerous varieties of Agastache and other pollinator plants at Meadow View growers! For more information give us a call at 937-845-0093 or ask a question here.
