Discover Hummingbird Mint

A plant I’d love to see in local nurseries…

Considering their long-lasting vibrant blooms, hardiness and resistance to drought, deer, extreme temps, Hyssops or Agastache offer plenty of food for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. What more can a gardener ask for?

Hyssop or Agastashe or Hummingbird mint

Hyssop or Agastashe or Hummingbird mint

No wonder they’re adored by gardeners far and wide – with several varieties hardy to USDA zones 4-6, almost everyone can grow them – especially as they make stunning Summer annuals where they’re not hardy.

 

Agastache aurantiaca 'Coronado'

Agastache aurantiaca ‘Coronado’

TIP! Agastache like well-drained soil and full sun. They’ll live longer and be happier the less you baby them, so average water and average to lean soil is best, no clay soil, tho.

 

Agastache 'Black Adder'

Agastache ‘Black Adder’

Hyssop is a good option for colder climate gardeners like us.  I’d love to see this carried by our foothill area nurseries.

 

Agastache foeniculum 'Golden Jubilee'

Gorgeous foliage of Agastache foeniculum ‘Golden Jubilee’

 

Agastache mexicana 'Sangria' 2

Agastache mexicana ‘Sangria’

Agastashe look very well with other meadow plants like Yarrow, Autumn sage, Artemisia, Lavender, Herbs and Guara.

Agastache mexicana 'Sangria'

Agastache mexicana ‘Sangria’

 

Agastache pallida x rugosa 'Globetrotter'

Agastache pallida x rugosa ‘Globetrotter’

 

Agastache rugosa 'Heronswood Mist'

Agastache rugosa ‘Heronswood Mist’

 

Agastache rupestris 'Sunset Hyssop'

Agastache rupestris ‘Sunset Hyssop’

 

Agastache aurantiaca ‘Coronado’

Agastache aurantiaca ‘Coronado’

 

Lavender colored Agastashe at Kate Frey Sustainable Gardens

Lavender colored Agastashe at Kate Frey Sustainable Gardens

 

My Sunset Agastashe grows in an area that’s very dry and gets infrequent hand watering, planted around the edge of my meadow area.  It has survived for years, but I know it would bloom more if I move it to a friendlier spot.  I can’t believe how hardy and colorful Hummingbird mint is!

All photos courtesy of Annie’s Annuals, where I found mine.

3 comments

  1. Amanda -

    Is the hyssop deer resistant by chance?
    I really want to offer up more food for the butterflies who are on my property in the summer and attract more bees for my fruit trees as well as my greenhouse & gardens.
    Alas, the one issue I have though, is that the plants that I find gorgeous, generally some creature wants to eat it up here. 🙂

  2. Dianne Lane -

    is Hummingbird Mint anything like Cat Mint which I cannot find up here in the mountains. I have had one plant for years and it is wonderful in the spring and summer…overwinters well, get plenty of water.

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