Agastache 'Blue Fortune'
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Agastache 'Blue Fortune'
Agastache, also known as Giant Hyssop or Hummingbird Mint, is a delightful group of about 30 upright herbaceous perennials that you can mainly find in North America.
The hybrid varieties of Agastache are especially loved for their stunning flowers and improved winter hardiness compared to their species relatives. These charming hybrids bloom in a beautiful spectrum of colors like red, orange, pink, yellow, and white. They showcase tightly packed clusters of small, tubular flowers that resemble delicate spikes, brightening up gardens from mid-summer to fall. The flowers, which grow in delightful arrangements called verticillasters (or false whorls) on sturdy square stems, typically reach heights of 2 to 4 feet. Their opposite pairs of serrated, fragrant leaves, which range in color from gray-green to medium-green, are not just visually appealing but also give off a lovely anise or licorice scent. Plus, the blooms are a magnet for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, making these plants a vibrant addition to any garden.
One standout variety, 'Blue Fortune', features tightly clustered, trumpet-shaped, lavender-blue flowers arranged in rounded verticillasters. These lovely flowers sit atop 4-inch long spikes and usually grow to around 3 feet tall. They are known for their abundant blooms from summer well into early fall, attracting butterflies in droves. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, growing up to 4 inches long, with a soft, fuzzy underside that releases a refreshing minty-anise aroma. These fragrant leaves are not just for show; they can be used in potpourris or to add a lovely flair to cold beverages.
Agastache plants enjoy average, medium moisture, and well-drained soils, thriving best in full sunlight. While they can handle a little light shade, ensuring good drainage is crucial for their health. In heavy clay soils that hold moisture, Agastache may find it challenging to survive harsh winters. Once they’re established, these hardy plants can withstand heat and tolerate moderate dryness quite well. To keep them blooming beautifully, remember to deadhead spent flowers. Generally, Agastache hybrids can endure winter conditions in at least USDA Zone 6. If you’re concerned about winter hardiness, it's a good idea to place them in sheltered spots (like southern exposures) and leave their leaves and flower stems intact throughout the winter for that extra layer of protection. Using sandy or gravelly mulches can also help safeguard the plants and prevent rot. Just a quick heads up: hybrids grown from seed might not produce true offspring, so keep that in mind.
Height: 2’-3'
Spread: 1.5’-2'
Bloom: March-September
Light: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Origin: North America
Spring Shipping:
Orders are shipped within 7-10 business days. We will email you if there are expected delays.
When you order plants from our nursery, you can expect them to arrive in the best possible condition. Our team carefully packs each order using sturdy, biodegradable packaging materials.
Your plants' appearance may vary depending on the season and their current growth stage. We may cut back the leafy growth of some plants to prepare them for shipment and transplanting.
5 Gallon and Up: Any plant purchased to ship over 5 Gallons will be shipped bare root. This means we will remove the plant from its original pot, remove the soil surrounding the roots, and wrap the roots with a biodegradable plastic bag. This reduces weight and the likelihood of damage during shipping.
Once your plants arrive, it is essential to plant them as soon as possible. This will help them rebound and thrive. If you cannot plant immediately, water regularly and keep the roots off heat-conducting surfaces.
Newly transplanted plants often require more water until their roots are well established. Plan to water them 1-3 times weekly for the first few months.
