Agastache 'Ava'

Common name: giant hyssop
Type:
Herbaceous perennial
USDA hardiness zones:
5-9

ëAva, commonly called giant hyssop or hummingbirds mint, is a sometimes short-lived perennial that is a hybrid between two agastache species (A. cana x A. barberi) that are native to the southwestern U. S. It is noted for its sweetly fragrant flowers and foliage. Tubular, deep rose-pink flowers with raspberry-red calyxes bloom in whorls on erect, salvia-like spikes (to 12î long) atop square stems typically growing to 2-4 tall. Flowers appear over a long June to September (sometimes to first hard frost) bloom period. Flowers are attractive to bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. Leaves have a ... more »

  • Full sun to part shade
  • Medium
  • Low

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. Good soil drainage is essential. Plants will perform poorly and may not survive winter in unamended clay soils that retain moisture. Plants tolerate heat and some dry soils once established. Deadhead spent flower blooms to promote additional bloom. Plants may not be reliably winter hardy throughout the St. Louis area where they should be planted in a protected location (e.g., southern exposure). Leave leaf and flower stems up during the winter for additional protection, cutting back the dead stems in late winter to early spring. Sandy/gravelly mulches will protect plants and help to avoid onset of rot. Plants may also be grown in containers. Take cuttings from containers in late summer for overwintering.

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