Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’ – RHS Plant of the Year Contender 2024

Description

Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’ is a compact, hardy perennial known for its stunning pink flower spikes and aromatic foliage. A favourite among pollinators, it blooms from midsummer into autumn, bringing vibrant colour to gardens. Below is a comprehensive planting guide to help your Agastache thrive in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Time to Plant

To ensure optimal growth, plant Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’ in the spring when the soil starts to warm up. This will allow the roots to establish before the summer blooming season. Alternatively, planting in early autumn gives the plant time to settle before going dormant, which promotes strong growth the following spring.

Ideal Planting Location

Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’ thrives in full sunlight. It is crucial to select a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season.

Soil drainage is equally important. Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’ prefers well-drained soil, as it cannot tolerate soggy conditions. To improve soil drainage, incorporate organic matter such as compost or grit into the planting area. This helps prevent root rot and ensures a healthy plant.

Planting Instructions for Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’

1. Preparing the Ground: Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and as deep as the plant’s roots. This will give your Agastache enough space to spread its roots comfortably.
2. Enhancing Soil Quality: Add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve fertility and drainage. A nutrient-rich environment supports vigorous growth and abundant flowers.
3. Planting: Position the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering: After planting, water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots. Be mindful of overwatering, as excess moisture can damage the roots.

Watering Needs

Once established, Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’ is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. During dry spells, water the plant moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Too much water can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to avoid waterlogged conditions.

In its dormant phase during the colder months, Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’ requires even less water. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Fertilising for Growth

Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give your Agastache a strong start to the growing season. This encourages robust new growth and vibrant blooms. A second, lighter feeding in mid-summer can also help prolong the flowering period, ensuring the plant remains healthy and productive throughout the season.

Pruning and Maintenance

1. Deadheading: To keep Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’ blooming continuously, remove spent flower heads regularly. Deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers and keeps it looking tidy.
2. Autumn Pruning: Once flowering has finished in autumn, cut the plant back to ground level. This helps prepare your Agastache for winter dormancy and ensures vigorous growth the following year.

Mulching for Plant Health

Mulching is essential for maintaining healthy soil conditions for Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’. In spring, mulch around the base of the plant with organic material like bark chips or compost to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

As winter approaches, apply another layer of mulch to protect the roots from extreme cold. This insulation helps prevent frost damage and allows the plant to survive the colder months.

Supporting Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’

Although Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’ is a compact plant with sturdy stems, staking may be necessary in areas exposed to strong winds. Staking will prevent the flower spikes from breaking or toppling over, ensuring the plant stays upright and healthy.

Final Thoughts

Agastache rugosa ‘Beelicious Pink’ is a low-maintenance, hardy perennial that will reward you with continuous blooms from midsummer to autumn. Its fragrant pink flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any garden. By planting it in a sunny, well-drained location and following these care tips, you’ll enjoy beautiful blooms all season long.

 

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RHS Details