gastache is a relative to the mint family. The flowers are high in oils and make a great insect attractant in the garden. The foliage is attractive and endures for months, and it is aromatic with stiff upright stalks filled with whorls of brightly colored flower spires. The colors are commonly purple to lavender, but there are also blooms in pink, rose, blue, white and orange. Agastache is very well suited for a cottage garden, but it can fit in nicely in any border, and even is a standout in the summer vegetable garden.

There are several well-known Agastache varieties:

• Agastache foeniclum – known as Anise Hyssop or Giant Blue Hyssop, this variety has a definite licorice aroma and blue to purple flowers. The leaves are used for flavorings or teas and were widely used as a medicinal herb by the Native Americans.
• Agastache mexicana – referred to as Mexican Giant Hyssop, it is native to southern North America and Mexico. The leaves are also used for teas and in salads.
• Agastache cana – called Hummingbird Mint, Mosquito Plant, and Bubblegum Mint. It has a distinctive bubblegum scent with rosy-pink colored flowers.

Agastache is propagated through cuttings and flower seed. Agastache seeds can be sown indoors in late winter for a transplanting outdoors in May once frost danger has passed. Using a sterile seed starting mix, the flower seeds should be pressed into the soil but not covered. Keep the seeds and seedlings moist. Agastache plants grown from seed will take two years to bloom.

Agastache plants are easy, undemanding perennials to grow. They prefer sun but tolerate some light shade, and they dislike waterlogged soil, so drainage it very important for good performance. Provide a complete organic fertilizer each spring. Mature plants require a moderate amount of moisture and can dry out in-between waterings. If growing as herb plants, harvest fresh leaves just before blooming for best flavor. If needed, the plants can be divided in the fall. Division will help keep the plant robust and healthy. In areas with very cold winters, a heavy mulch gives extra protection. When different varieties are grown together, cross pollination may occur. Deadheading the spent blooms and removing any volunteers will help prevent cross pollination.

These striking and versatile flowers are also great for cutting. They have lengthy stalks and last well in the vase. Agastache will win anyone’s heart, and because they are known nectar plants, many buzzing and delightful insects will adore them as well!