If you are looking for a free flowering plant that can take the heat, then Agastache mexicana and its many cultivars could be the one.
This is a tall growing variety, fragrant foliage and it does form a dense clump over time. The foliage is best describes as having an anise scent to it. It works well in a sensory garden if planted where you will brush against it.
Flowering in summer through to late summer, this is drought tolerant plant once established, it grow well in poor soils, however performs better in good well drained soil.
You will usually find that the better the soil, and with some moisture the flowering season is longer. Deadheading as spent flower heads become apart will increase the flowering season as well.
Known as Hummingbird Mint, as well as Mexican Giant Hyssop, this is plant that attracts bees, birds and insects to the garden, all an added benefit. A number of other Agastache varieties are also available.
Care and Maintenance
You will need a position in full sun to a little shade, and a well drained soil.
- When planting prepare the soil well, dig in some well rotted compost and manure.
- Plant and water in well.
- Mulch lightly around the plant to suppress weeds and maintain a cool moist root run.
- Water through the first summer, and then through long dry periods.
Pruning
In winter, prune Agastache mexicana back to near ground level. This will give you a good flush of new foliage the following spring.
Varieties
- Agastache mexicana ’Sangria’ – Tall growing with magenta pink flowers.
- Agastache mexicana ‘Lavender Blue’
- Agastache mexicana ‘Salmon’ – Salmon pink flowers
- Agastache mexican ‘Pink Fiesta’ – Pink Flowers
Depending on variety you can grow Agastache mexicana from seed or from plants sold online during winter to spring.