Description
Agastache rugosa | ‘Liquorice Blue’ Korean Mint
Korean Mint, also known as Anise Hyssop, Wrinkled Giant Hyssop, Purple Giant Hyssop, Indian Mint, Liquorice Blue, and Chinese Patchouli, is a short-lived perennial herb in the mint family that’s native to stream sides and grassy meadows throughout Japan, China, Korea and Siberia. Undemanding and will bloom for months on end. The semi-evergreen leaves, which have a very strong and pleasant, medicinal mint and licorice aroma, are topped with short spikes of tubular-shaped deep lavender-blue flowers from midsummer through early fall. Needs little fertilizer, and is adaptable to dry or poor soils. Some Agastache species are not reliably hardy, especially in wet winters, but Agastache rugosa is one of the hardiest of the species.
Korean Mint is not invasive like true mint varieties and it attracts abundant bees, butterflies and even hummingbirds.
Makes a fantastic plant for bee hives because plants produce copious amounts of nectar for bees and butterflies to feast upon. It’s 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: 2-3 ft
Mature width: 18-24 inches
Hardiness zones: 7-10