There are various colloquial names for the plants that botanists refer to as Agastache. They are collectively known as hummingbird mints or huge hyssops.
However, specific species and variants may be different Korean mint types. So, they will all be referred to as Agastache to make remembering easier. These plants belong to the mint family and are linked to well-known species like catmint and lavender. The stems are square with flat edges, and the leaves are arranged in pairs.
From Mexico up through the western states, with some migrating eastward, they grow across a considerable portion of the planet. In addition, the Korean mint made its way into China, Japan, and Korea.
These plants are all perennials that grow stems in the summer and die back to the roots in the winter. Once established, they all like sunny locations and can withstand drought.
They grow into zone 10 and are hardy to at least zone 5, with some being much harder. So you’d have an idea that they grow in almost all kinds of weather conditions.
They often reach a height of 2 to 3 feet and form a clump of upright, leafy stems that bloom for weeks throughout the summer. They last for years, becoming thicker and wider but not invading or taking over.
Some of the Agastache we grow are hybrids between at least two, or even more, wild species.
Planting Agastache
Agastache plants are content in typical garden settings as long as they are in the sun. They thrive in many soil conditions, but they prefer dry environments.
Any soil types, even those with a rough texture, are ideal as long as they have good drainage. It is especially crucial for cold-weather survival.
They can be grown in beds in front of shrubs or combined with other perennial flowers in a cottage garden. They thrive in xeric, or dry, gardens.
Moreover, you can cultivate the American varieties in natural or wild gardens. The predominant hues are often blues, purples, yellows, and purple-pinks.
Insects, particularly bees and hummingbirds, are drawn to these plants in large numbers, hence the name. So there is more to appreciate in these plants than the flowers.
