Agastache, aka “Hummingbird Mint”

Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ and ‘Black Adder’ are absolute powerhouse bloomers, offering sustained color from early July through October. In an organic garden, they will attract non-stop pollinators and provide vital nectar in late summer and early fall when other perennials have lost their luster.

Agastache is part of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is native to North America. Like all mints, the stems are 4 sided, making identification easy. An advantage to plants in the mint family is that they are typically not bothered by rodents, deer or rabbits!!

Also known as “giant hyssop”, Agastache varieties bloom in shades of purple, pink, red, yellow and white. All are guaranteed to garner the interest of Ruby Throat Hummingbirds.

Leaves have a mint fragrance and can be used as a flavoring in tea. Smaller varieties like ‘Mango Tango’ will thrive in containers in a sunny location, providing good draining.

Agastache can struggle to survive our harsh Zone 5 winters, so I do not cut mine down in fall, instead leaving them intact to protect the crown and provide winter interest, and seeds for songbirds. My ‘Blue Fortune’ plant has survived many New Hampshire winters, growing more stately every year.

  • Plant type: perennial, native to North America

  • Growing Conditions: full to part sun; average moisture

  • Size: 2-3’ tall x 2-3’ wide depending upon variety

  • Spread: Non-invasive, spreads slowly from central crown

  • Bloom: July through October in Zone 5b

  • Maintenance: leave dried seed heads for winter interest

  • Biodiversity: hummingbirds, butterflies & bees

  • Pairings: ornamental grasses, echinacea, joe pye weed

  • Location: middle of mixed border or on a bump out

  • Sourcing: available through The Big Little Garden

Agastache carries the design from July to October

Agastache in July border

Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ with persicaria ‘Firetail’ in September

mid-late july, eastern exposure

Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ is the star of this bed from now through October, attracting dozens of pollinator varieties and helping to accentuate the undulating curves of the garden bed. While other perennials are coming and going, ‘Blue Fortune’ offers consistent bloom, fragrance, and cut flower opportunity. Pair agastache’s purple blooms with Hakonechloa ‘All Gold’, Asclepias tuberosa, Achillea ‘Moonshine’ and Amsonia hubrichtii.