Blue Agastache – Fragrant Blooms All Summer
Agastache (Agastache hybrids), often called hyssop or hummingbird mint, is a heat- and drought-tolerant perennial beloved for its spikes of tubular flowers and aromatic foliage. The ‘Honey Bee Blue’ variety is especially valued for its compact form, soft blue-lavender blooms, and silvery-green leaves that release a pleasant minty scent when brushed. This long-blooming perennial adds vertical texture and color to sunny gardens while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds from midsummer through fall. It’s both resilient and low-maintenance, making it ideal for pollinator gardens and xeriscaping designs.
Applications in the Garden
Excellent in pollinator gardens—highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
Perfect for sunny borders, rock gardens, and cottage-style plantings
Adds vertical structure and movement to perennial beds
Aromatic foliage makes it a great choice near patios or walkways
Performs beautifully in containers with good drainage
Pairs well with coneflowers, Russian sage, yarrow, and ornamental grasses
Planting Tips - Agastache Urticifolia
Choose a full-sun location with well-drained soil; sandy or gravelly conditions are ideal
Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow airflow and prevent mildew
Water regularly until established, then sparingly—Agastache is drought-tolerant once rooted
Avoid rich or heavily fertilized soil, which can cause weak, floppy growth
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering
In colder climates, apply light winter mulch to protect crowns
Plant Biography and Growing Environment
| Botanical Name: | Agastache Urticifolia |
| Variety Name: | Urticifolia Honey Bee Blue |
| Height: | 24″ |
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-10 |
| Sun or Shade: | Full sun |
| Plant Classification: | Perennial |
| Planting Season: | Spring |
| Bloom Season: | Summer |
| Bloom Cycle: | Deadhead for continuous rebloom |
| Bloom Duration: | 2-3 months |
| Planting Depth: | 2″-3″ |
| Soil Requirements: | Dry to medium moisture, well-draining soils |
| Water Requirements: | Average |
Troubleshooting
Wilting or root rot: Caused by poor drainage or excess watering; improve soil drainage
Floppy stems: Too much shade or nitrogen; ensure full sun and avoid overfertilizing
Powdery mildew: Common in humid areas; space plants properly and ensure good air movement
Sparse blooms: Usually from insufficient sunlight or nutrient imbalance
Winter loss: Avoid heavy mulching that traps moisture around roots
FAQ - Agastache Urticifolia
Q: Is Agastache deer-resistant?
A: Yes, its aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for open gardens.
Q: Does Agastache attract bees?
A: Absolutely—Agastache is one of the top bee-friendly perennials, especially the ‘Honey Bee Blue’ variety.
Q: How long does this plant bloom?
A: It flowers continuously from midsummer into fall, often up to frost with regular deadheading.
Q: Can Agastache grow in containers?
A: Yes, it performs well in pots with sharp drainage and full sun exposure.