Agastache, commonly known as hyssop or hummingbird mint, is a delightful perennial known for its aromatic foliage and spikes of tubular flowers that attract pollinators. Follow this comprehensive planting guide to ensure the successful establishment and flourishing growth of your Agastache plants.

Choosing the Right Location

Sunlight Requirements: Plant Agastache in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. These plants thrive in sunny conditions and well-drained soil.

Soil Conditions: Agastache prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Amending heavy soils with organic matter enhances drainage.

Planting Time: Optimal Timing: Plant Agastache in the spring or Autumn. This allows the plant to establish a robust root system before facing extreme temperatures.

Planting Process

Digging Holes: Dig holes that are slightly larger than the root ball of the Agastache plant.

Spacing: Plant multiple Agastache plants approximately 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.

Plant Depth: Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in the container or nursery. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.

Watering

Establishment Period: Water deeply immediately after planting to help the roots settle. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season.

Mature Plants: Once established, Agastache is drought tolerant. Water when the soil surface feels dry, providing deep, infrequent watering.

Mulching

Mulch Benefits: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Mulch Depth: Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, but avoid piling it against the base of the plant.

Fertilisation

Moderate Fertilisation: Agastache generally thrives in average soil and doesn’t require heavy fertilisation. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in the spring is usually sufficient.

Avoid Excessive Nitrogen: Limit high-nitrogen fertilisers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.

Pruning

Regular Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.

Autumn Clean up: Trim back the foliage in late Autumn or early spring to maintain a tidy appearance and promote new growth.

Pest and Disease Management

Pest Resistance: Agastache is relatively resistant to pests. Keep an eye out for aphids and treat them promptly if detected.

Good Air Circulation: Plant with proper spacing to encourage good air circulation and minimise the risk of fungal diseases.

Division

Periodic Division: Every 2-3 years, consider dividing mature Agastache plants to maintain vigour. Spring or Autumn is the best time for division.

Replanting: Lift the clumps, divide them, and replant healthy sections in well-prepared soil.

By following these guidelines, you’ll establish a healthy and vibrant Agastache garden. Adjust care based on your specific growing conditions and enjoy the beauty and fragrance that these plants bring to your landscape.

Watering

Established Plants: Agastache is drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Avoid Waterlogged Soil: Ensure well-drained soil to prevent water logging, as Agastache prefers slightly dry conditions.

Mulching

Maintain Mulch: Keep a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the plants to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Mulch Renewal: Periodically replenish the mulch to keep it effective. Maintain a small gap around the base of the plant to prevent moisture-related issues.

Fertilisation

Low-Fertility Approach: Agastache generally thrives in average soil and doesn’t require heavy fertilisation. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring is usually sufficient.

Avoid Excessive Nitrogen: Limit high-nitrogen fertilisers to prevent excessive foliage growth, ensuring a focus on flowering.

Pruning and Deadheading

Regular Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.

Autumn Clean up: Trim back the foliage in late Autumn or early spring. Remove dead or damaged stems to promote a neat appearance and new growth.

Pest and Disease Management

Monitor for Pests: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids. Treat any infestations promptly to prevent damage.

Good Air Circulation: Ensure proper spacing between plants to promote good air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Division

Periodic Division: Every 2-3 years, consider dividing mature Agastache plants to maintain vigour. Spring or Autumn is ideal for division.

Replanting: Lift the clumps, divide them, and replant healthy sections in well-prepared soil.

Winter Care

Mulching in Winter: In colder climates, apply an additional layer of mulch in late Aurumn to provide insulation and protect the plant’s roots from winter extremes.

Cut Back in Spring: Trim back the dead or damaged stems in early spring to make way for new growth.

Adaptation

Recognise Plant’s Resilience: Agastache is generally resilient but may respond differently to various conditions. Adapt care practices accordingly and be prepared to address any adverse effects.

By following these aftercare tips, you’ll maintain a healthy and thriving Agastache garden. Remember to adapt these recommendations based on your specific growing conditions and the particular needs of the Agastache varieties you have planted. Enjoy the continued beauty and allure of hummingbird mint in your landscape!

We take pride in offering high-quality Agastache plants to enhance your gardening experience. While we strive to provide comprehensive care guidance, it’s important to acknowledge that certain factors, particularly extreme weather conditions, are beyond our control. Extreme events such as severe frost, prolonged heatwaves, high winds, or exceptionally heavy rainfall can impact the health of your Agastache plants.

Our Advice

Weather Monitoring: Stay vigilant and regularly monitor local weather forecasts, especially during periods of extreme weather.

Protective Measures: Consider implementing protective measures during extreme conditions, such as providing temporary shading during intense heat or covering plants during unexpected frost.

Aftermath Assessment: Following extreme weather events, assess the condition of your Agastache plants. If damage occurs, follow appropriate care steps, including pruning damaged parts and adjusting watering routines.

Limitations

Natural Variables: Agastache, like any living organism, is influenced by natural variables. Extreme weather events are inherent risks that may impact plant health despite best care practices.

No Guarantee: Due to the unpredictable nature of extreme weather, we cannot guarantee the outcome of your Agastache’s response to such conditions. Plants may exhibit stress or damage beyond our control.

Customer Responsibility

Preventive Measures: We encourage you to take proactive measures based on weather forecasts and to implement protective strategies to minimise potential harm during extreme weather.

Adaptation: Recognise that Agastache, while resilient, may respond differently to various weather conditions. Adapt care practices accordingly and be prepared to address any adverse effects.

Contact Us

If you have specific concerns or questions related to extreme weather impacts on your Agastache, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to offer guidance and support within the scope of our expertise.

Email: Info@proctorsnursery.co.uk

Note: This disclaimer serves to acknowledge the unpredictability of extreme weather events and the associated risks to Agastache plants. Your understanding, proactive care, and prompt communication are key to ensuring the well-being of your garden.