Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’

Description

Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’ is a compact, fragrant perennial known for its spikes of vibrant purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. With its long blooming season and low maintenance needs, this Agastache makes a beautiful addition to garden borders or containers. Follow this planting guide to ensure your Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’ thrives in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

Spring: The ideal time to plant Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’ is in the spring, once the soil starts to warm. Planting during this period allows the plant’s roots to establish well before the blooming season, promoting strong growth.

Autumn: You can also plant your Agastache in early autumn. This gives the roots time to settle before the plant goes dormant, ensuring better growth the following spring.

Site Selection

Sunlight: Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’ thrives in full sunlight. Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily to encourage continuous flowering and healthy growth.

Soil: Plant Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’ in well-drained soil. The plant is sensitive to waterlogged conditions, so improving drainage by adding organic matter like compost or grit is essential for preventing root rot.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball to give the roots ample room to spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix in organic matter such as compost to improve soil fertility and drainage. This will promote the robust growth of the plant’.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill gently, firming the soil around the plant to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to help the roots settle. Ensure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogged conditions that can harm Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’.

Watering Requirements

Growing Season: Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’ is drought-tolerant once established. Water during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can cause root issues, so be cautious.

Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly during the dormant season. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as the plant needs minimal water during this period.

Feeding

Spring: Feed Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’ with a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will help maintain the plant’s vigour and prolong its blooming period.

Pruning

Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to extend the blooming season and keep the plant looking tidy. This also encourages your Agastache to produce new blooms.

Autumn Pruning: After the last blooms have faded in autumn, cut the plant back to ground level. This will prepare the plant for winter dormancy and encourage healthier growth the following spring.

Mulching

Spring: Apply mulch around the base of the plant in spring to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches such as bark chips or compost work well.

Winter: In colder months, add a layer of mulch around the plant’s base to protect the roots from frost and prevent frost heaving. This ensures that Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’ survives harsh winter conditions.

Supporting the Plant

Staking: Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’ generally has sturdy stems and doesn’t require staking. However, if you live in a particularly windy area, you may want to provide support to prevent stem damage.

Final Tips

Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’ is a stunning, low-maintenance perennial that offers a pop of colour from mid-summer to autumn. Its compact size and fragrant foliage make it perfect for garden borders, containers, or mixed beds. By planting it in full sun and well-drained soil, and following this simple care routine, you’ll enjoy the vibrant blooms and pollinator-friendly garden that this Agastache provides.

This planting guide ensures you get the best from Agastache rugosa ‘Little Adder’, allowing it to flourish and become a standout feature in your garden year after year.

 

RHS Details

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