9 Outstanding Agastache Varieties for Vibrant Gardens
Agastache varieties deliver vivid blooms, fragrant foliage, and pollinator magnetism.
9 Exceptional Agastache Varieties: Brighten Your Garden
Agastache, commonly known as Hummingbird Mint or Anise Hyssop, is celebrated for its aromatic foliage, colorful flower spikes, and its ability to attract pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies . With more than 30 species and countless hybrids, gardeners can select varieties that best match their climate, garden space, and aesthetic preferences. Below, discover nine top Agastache varietiesâeach bringing distinctive charm and performance to gardens both large and small .
Agastache Overview
Agastache is a genus of aromatic, perennial herbs in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native mainly to North America and Asia . Known for their upright spikes, vibrant colors, and licorice- or mint-scented leaves, Agastache varieties are popular for:
- Attracting pollinators, especially hummingbirds
- Aromatic foliageâsome edible, others used in teas
- Drought tolerance once established
- Deer resistance, making them ideal for wildlife-heavy regions
- Versatile garden use, from containers to borders and xeriscapes
Agastache are also notable for their hardiness, typically thriving in USDA zones 5â10, and in some cases, even colder climates .
Table: Quick Guide to 9 Featured Agastache Varieties
| Variety | Flower Color | Height | Zones | Sun | Notable Qualities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poquito⢠Butter Yellow | Soft Yellow | 10 in – 1 ft | 5-10 | Full Sun | Dwarf, fragrant foliage |
| Summer Glow | Butter Yellow (with red calyces) | 1-2 ft | 6-10 | Full Sun | Two-tone color, licorice aroma |
| Blue Fortune | Blue-Lavender | 2-4 ft | 5-10 | Full Sun | Award-winner, mildew resistant |
| Firebird | Red-Orange | 3-4 ft | 6-10 | Full Sun | Pole tall, heat tolerant |
| Apricot Sunrise | Apricot | 2-3 ft | 5-10 | Full Sun | Unique color, fragrant leaves |
| Golden Jubilee | Lavender | 2-3 ft | 5-9 | Full/Part Sun | Golden foliage, edible leaves |
| Little Adder | Blue to Purple | 2-3 ft | 5-10 | Full Sun | Compact form, prolific blooms |
| Bolero | Pink | 2-3 ft | 5-10 | Full Sun | Large spikes, drought tolerant |
| Tango | Orange | 1-2 ft | 5-10 | Full Sun | Dwarf, container friendly |
1. Poquito⢠Butter Yellow
Agastache âTNAGAPBYâ, known as Poquito⢠Butter Yellow, is a miniature powerhouse for compact gardens or container planting . Its fine, aromatic foliage supports soft yellow flower spikes that bloom reliably from summer until frost. At just one foot tall, Poquito⢠Butter Yellow fits perfectly in small borders, rock gardens, and patiosâproviding both beauty and a subtle, sweet scent.
- Blooms: Soft yellow spires
- Height: 10 inches to 1 foot
- Zones: 5-10
- Special Features: Dwarf habit, continuous flowering
- Best Use: Small spaces and containers
2. Summer Glow
âSummer Glowâ offers a captivating, two-tone display: deep red calyces cradle buttery yellow tubular flowers, creating a striking visual effect . Its foliage boasts a distinctive licorice aroma. This agastache stands 1â2 feet tall, making it suitable for mid-border plantings as well as container arrangements. Hardy from zones 6â10, ‘Summer Glow’ is ideal for warmer climates where its colors shine in the summer sun.
- Blooms: Yellow flowers, red calyces
- Height: 1 to 2 feet
- Zones: 6-10
- Aroma: More licorice than mint
- Best Use: Colorful borders
3. Blue Fortune
One of the most popular and awarded agastache varieties, âBlue Fortuneâ produces dense spikes of blue-lavender flowers atop sturdy stems . Noted for its mildew resistance and robust habit, this hybrid (A. rugosa à A. foeniculum) flowers prolifically through summer and fall. âBlue Fortuneâ works beautifully in wildlife gardens and perennial beds, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Blooms: Blue-lavender spikes
- Height: 2 to 4 feet
- Zones: 5-10
- Award: RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Special Features: Mildew resistant, reliable performance
4. Firebird
âFirebirdâ dazzles with tall, slender spikes of warm red-orange flowers . Its vigorous, upright habit makes it excellent for bold garden statements and for pollinator-friendly xeriscapes. Growing up to 4 feet high, âFirebirdâ withstands heat, lean soils, and intense sun, and looks stunning partnered with ornamental grasses and drought-tolerant perennials.
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- Blooms: Red-orange spires
- Height: 3 to 4 feet
- Zones: 6-10
- Special Features: Heat and sun tolerant, pollinator magnet
5. Apricot Sunrise
âApricot Sunriseâ brings a warm apricot tone to the agastache palette, perfect for blending with golds, purples, and blues in mixed beds . Its minty, fragrant foliage pairs with continuous blooming from midsummer to frost. This variety reaches about 2â3 feet in height and is highly sought for its unique color and prolific performance.
- Blooms: Apricot colored
- Height: 2 to 3 feet
- Zones: 5-10
- Special Features: Unique flower color, fragrance
6. Golden Jubilee
âGolden Jubileeâ stands out for its chartreuse-golden foliage that contrasts elegantly with lavender-blue flower spikes . Edible, anise-flavored leaves make it a culinary favorite. Hardiness to zone 4, combined with moderate height (2â3 feet), gives it broad garden appeal. Use âGolden Jubileeâ for both ornamental and edible purposes in beds, borders, and herb gardens.
- Blooms: Lavender spikes
- Height: 2 to 3 feet
- Zones: 5-9 (species hardy to zone 4)
- Special Features: Golden foliage, edible, mint/anise aroma
7. Little Adder
âLittle Adderâ is recognized for its compact form, tidy habit, and prolific production of blue to purple flower spikes . Drought tolerant and deer resistant, this variety delivers continuous color in sunny beds and is ideal for smaller gardens and urban spaces. At 2â3 feet tall, âLittle Adderâ also suits containers and low-maintenance landscapes.
- Blooms: Blue to purple spikes
- Height: 2 to 3 feet
- Zones: 5-10
- Special Features: Compact form, high bloom count
8. Bolero
âBoleroâ offers robust spikes of vivid pink flowers and attractive gray-green foliage . Its drought tolerance allows it to thrive in lean soils and hot conditions, while the large blooms make it a striking accent in any perennial border. Hardy to zone 5, âBoleroâ is valued for resilient performance and pollinator appeal.
- Blooms: Large pink spikes
- Height: 2 to 3 feet
- Zones: 5-10
- Special Features: Drought tolerance, vivid color
9. Tango (Mango Tango)
âTangoââsometimes called âMango Tangoââis a dwarf, bushy agastache ideal for containers and small garden niches . It blooms with fiery orange flowers and stays compact at 1â2 feet tall. The bold color and nectar-rich blossoms reliably attract hummingbirds and butterflies. âTangoâ is easy to grow and a superb choice for sunny urban patios.
- Blooms: Orange spikes
- Height: 1 to 2 feet
- Zones: 5-10
- Special Features: Dwarf size, ideal for containers
Growing & Caring for Agastache
Agastache varieties are generally easy to grow and reward gardeners with months of color and fragrance. Give these perennials the following for best results:
- Sun: Full sun is ideal for vibrant flowering and compact growth
- Soil: Well-draining soils are crucial, especially in winter
- Water: Moderate; avoid soggy roots but keep soil evenly moist for young plants
- Spacing: Follow recommended guidelines for each variety, usually 18â24 inches apart
- Feed: Light feeding in spring supports strong growth; avoid rich fertilizers, which produce lanky stems
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage ongoing flowering
Agastache’s drought tolerance increases as plants mature, making them excellent for water-wise gardens and reducing maintenance requirements over time .
Hardiness Considerations
Most varieties are reliably hardy from zones 5â10 . Some speciesâsuch as Agastache foeniculum (anise hyssop)âsurvive even colder climates, sometimes down to zone 4 or lower. In regions outside recommended hardiness zones, agastache can be grown as annuals, providing summer-long blooms and aromatic foliage before frost .
Design Uses for Agastache
Agastache are versatile and fit into many garden styles and locations:
- Wildlife and pollinator gardens
- Mixed perennial borders for extended bloom
- Container gardens, especially dwarf varieties
- Xeriscapes and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Herb gardens (select edible-leaf varieties)
- Cut flower beds
Agastache Species: Quick Reference
| Species | Common Name | Primary Use & Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Agastache foeniculum | Anise Hyssop | Edible, tea, extremely cold hardy, purple flowers |
| Agastache cana | Texas Hummingbird Mint | Mosquito repellent, raspberry-mauve blooms |
| Agastache rupestris | Apache Sunset | Root beer scented, yellow-orange blooms, drought tolerant |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do Agastache plants attract pollinators?
A: AbsolutelyâAgastache is famed for attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers .
Q: Which Agastache species are edible?
A: Agastache foeniculum (anise hyssop) is the most commonly consumed, with leaves and flowers popular in teas and salads .
Q: Are Agastache deer resistant?
A: Yes, almost all Agastache varieties are deer resistant due to their aromatic foliage .
Q: What soil and light do Agastache need?
A: Plant Agastache in full sun and well-drained soil for best performance and healthiest growth .
Q: Can Agastache tolerate drought?
A: Mature plants are very drought tolerant, making them excellent for low-water gardens .
Q: How should I prune or deadhead Agastache?
A: Frequently remove spent blooms to promote more flowers and prevent unwanted self-seeding. Cut back stems after flowering to maintain shape .
Conclusion: AgastacheâA Must for Pollinator-Friendly Gardens
Agastache offers gardeners an abundance of colorful, aromatic, and resilient options suited for climates from cool northerly zones to warmer, arid regions. These nine varietiesâfrom compact Poquito Butter Yellow to dramatic Firebirdârepresent the best of both old favorites and new innovations. Whether you’re looking to craft a pollinator paradise, beautify borders, or enjoy fresh herbal teas, there’s an Agastache variety to fit your needs and style. Plant these perennial favorites for reliable performance, striking color, and wildlife appeal year after year.
References
- https://thursd.com/articles/agastache-plant-guide
- https://www.americanmeadows.com/content/perennials/agastache/all-about-agastache
- https://www.highcountrygardens.com/content/gardening/growing-agastache-desert-sunrise-agastache-acapulco-salmon-and-pink
- https://www.epicgardening.com/agastache-aurantiaca/
- https://www.epicgardening.com/agastache-varieties/
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