Description
Agastache aurantiaca | ‘Sunset Yellow’ Hummingbird Mint
Hummingbird Mint, also known as Anise Hyssop and Mexican Hyssop, is a short-lived perennial herb in the mint family that’s native to Northern Mexico. Undemanding and will bloom for months on end. The leaves have a very strong and pleasant, medicinal mint and licorice aroma. Spikes of tubular-shaped sunset yellow flowers bloom from midsummer through early fall. Agastache aurantiaca tolerates more summer water than other agastaches and prefers more fertile soil too.
Hummingbird Mint is not invasive like true mint varieties and it attracts abundant bees, butterflies and even hummingbirds.
Agastache is a fantastic plant for bee hives because plants produce copious amounts of nectar for bees and butterflies to feast upon. It is an important crop for commercial honey production. It’s estimated that one acre of Agastache can support over 100 hives! And because of its prolific flowering later in the season it helps bees build up their honey reserves before winter and will greatly contribute to a honey surplus where drifts of Agastache are grown.
Additionally, goldfinches and other small birds appreciate the seeds during winter months. Deer stay away.
Seeds germinate well indoors with just a little care and may reseed in the garden. Sow tiny seeds on surface, press in firmly. Give heat, humidity, and light.
Fresh leaves can be used to brew a minty herbal tea, and fresh flowers picked and then hung upside down to dry in a dark, well ventilated area can be saved to make potpourri.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature height: 12-18 inches
Mature width: 12-18 inches
Hardiness zones: 6-10
