Agastache

Agastache is a drought tolerant perennial that blooms throughout the summer and autumn. It is great for attracting hummingbirds and can tolerate full sun.

The greatest concentration of Agastache species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The rest are scattered across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The genus is part of the mint family, which accounts for its square stems and aromatic foliage. In northern climate zones, most Agastache species are tender perennials�they sometimes winter over but do not seem to be long-lived in the garden.

Southwestern species endure very dry conditions and poor, well-drained soils in their native habitat, but most of these adapt to richer, organic soils and wetter summers and winters in other regions of the country.

Agastache is relatively free of pests and diseases, with the exception of powdery mildew, rust, and other fungal pathogens that can affect the leaves during hot, humid weather if air circulation is poor. Plants can be propagated from spring division or sown from seed in early spring at soil temperatures of 55�F to 65�F.