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

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’

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’

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

Gorgeous foliage of Agastache foeniculum ‘Golden Jubilee’

Agastache mexicana ‘Sangria’

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

Agastache mexicana ‘Sangria’

Agastache pallida x rugosa ‘Globetrotter’

Agastache rugosa ‘Heronswood Mist’

Agastache rupestris ‘Sunset Hyssop’

Agastache aurantiaca ‘Coronado’

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.