Agastache

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Updated on December 30, 2020

Hyssop Plant Overview

Description	This hard-working group of perennials does so much. They bloom for a long time in wonderful colors atop tall, striking plants. They produce a nectar that is irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies. Most are heat and drought tolerant. And their foliage and flowers are fragrant, with scents ranging from licorice to bubblegum. Most require well-drained soil and prefer full sun, although they will tolerate light shade.
Genus Name	Agastache
Common Name	Hyssop Plant
Plant Type	Perennial
Light	Part Sun, Sun
Height	1 to 3 feet
Width	2 to 3 feet
Flower Color	Blue, Pink, White, Yellow
Season Features	Fall Bloom, Summer Bloom
Special Features	Attracts Birds, Cut Flowers, Fragrance, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance
Zones	10, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Propagation	Division, Leaf Cuttings, Seed, Stem Cuttings
Problem Solvers	Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant

More varieties for Hyssop

Anise hyssop

Agastache foeniculum bears upright columns of purplish-blue blooms on plants 2-5 feet tall. Deadhead flowers as they fade to prevent plants from self-seeding and becoming weedy. Zones 4-10

'Ava' hyssop

Agastache 'Ava' is a hybrid between A. cana and A. barberi. The raspberry-red flower spikes have deeper red calyxes, which remain colorful even after flowers fade. This makes 'Ava' a good choice for dried flowers. Both the foliage and flowers are fragrant. It grows 4-5 feet tall. Zones 5-10

'Blue Fortune' anise hyssop

Agastache foeniculum 'Blue Fortune' has lavender-blue flower spikes on 3-foot-tall plants from July through September. Zones 4-10

'Bolero' hyssop

Agastache 'Bolero' is a compact hybrid with rose-purple bloom spikes throughout the summer. The bronzy gray-green foliage is fragrant. The plant grows just 18 inches tall and wide in bloom, making it an excellent choice for container gardens. Zones 5-10

Bubblegum mint

Agastache cana is called bubblegum mint because its gray-green foliage exudes the fragrance of pink bubblegum or licorice. It bears foot-long spikes of purplish-pink blooms throughout the summer on plants that grow 3-4 feet tall. It is also called Texas hummingbird mint because it is native to western Texas and New Mexico and attracts hummingbirds. It's hardy in Zones 5-10, but give it winter protection in Zone 5.

'Desert Sunrise' hyssop

Agastache 'Desert Sunrise' is a hybrid between A. cana and A. rupestris. Its tubular blooms combine shades of pink, orange, and purple in hues reminiscent of the eastern sky at dawn. It grows 48 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 5-10, but provide winter protection in Zone 5.

'Golden Jubilee' anise hyssop

Agastache foeniculum 'Golden Jubilee' is a stunning selection that bears chartreuse foliage topped with lavender-purple flower spikes. Zones 4-10

'Heatwave' hyssop

Agastache 'Heatwave' is a hybrid with bright lavender-pink blooms that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees from mid- to late summer when it is in bloom. As its name suggests, it scoffs at heat and humidity. It grows 3 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-10

'Purple Pygmy' hyssop

Agastache cana 'Purple Pygmy' is a compact version of bubblegum mint with rosy purple blooms. The gray-green foliage has a distinct pink-bubblegum fragrance. It is available from seed or as started plants. 'Purple Pygmy' grows 16-24 inches tall. Zones 5-10

'Raspberry Summer' hyssop

Agastache 'Raspberry Summer' has raspberry-pink blooms all summer into fall. Plants require good drainage. Zones 6-9

'Rosita' hummingbird mint

Agastache cana 'Rosita' is a compact form that grows 2 feet tall with dense clusters of deep rose-pink flowers. Zones 5-10

'Sinning' hummingbird mint

Agastache cana 'Sinning' grows to only 18 inches tall. Its lavender-rose tubular flowers appear nearly all summer. Zones 5-10

'Summer Glow' hyssop

Agastache 'Summer Glow' brings a unique color for agastaches. Flowers are soft yellow and with their purple calyxes (bracts surrounding the individual blooms) make a striking color combination. 'Summer Glow' is tolerant of heat and humidity, making it a good choice for the Southeast. It grows to 30 inches tall. Zones 6-10

'Summer Love' hyssop

Agastache 'Summer Love' is a hybrid between A. cana and A. pallidiflora. Hardy in Zones 6-10, it's a good choice for hot, humid climates. Unlike many hyssops, the flowers and foliage have little fragrance. It grows to 3 feet tall.

Sunset hyssop

Agastache rupestris derives its name from the brilliant mix of red, purple, and orange shades in its blooms. The finely textured foliage can grow to 4 feet tall. Zones 4-9

'Tango' hyssop

Agastache barberi 'Tango' is an orange hybrid hummingbird mint that bears spikes of fragrant, soft orange blooms that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees throughout the summer. At just 18-24 inches tall, it's a compact plant that performs well in beds and borders as well as in container gardens. Zones 5-10

Tutti Frutti hyssop

Agastache barberi 'Tutti Frutti' bears raspberry-red flowers on foot-long spikes. The gray-green foliage emits a lemony scent. It grows 3-6 feet tall. Zones 6-10