Agataste, commonly called giant hyssop, is a genus of herbaceous perennials native to North America that contains about 30 species.
Compared with species plants, hybrids of Agastache usually have more showy flowers and are more hardy in the winter. Hybrid flowers come in a range of colors, including reds, oranges, pinks, yellows, and whites. Most hybrid plants have dense terminal spikes of tiny tubular flowers with two lips, blooming from mid-summer until fall in many-flowered verticillasters (false whorls) atop stiff square stems that are clad with opposite pairs of gray-green to medium-green, fragrant leaves (anise/licorice scent). Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies love the flowers.
‘Apricot Sunrise’ features apricot-orange flowers over a long late June to September (sometimes to frost) bloom period. It is an F-1 hybrid resulting from a cross between A. coccinea and A. aurantiaca (both native to the southwestern U. S.). It typically grows to 2-3’ tall. Leaves can be used to flavor cold drinks and teas.
It grows well in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It tolerates some light shade. Soil drainage is crucial. In clay soil that retains moisture, plants will fail to perform well and may not survive winter. It is not uncommon for plants to tolerate some dry soils and heat once they have established themselves. To promote additional blooms, deadhead spent flowers. Agastache hybrids are usually winter hardy to USDA Zone 6. Plants should be located in protected areas (e.g., southern exposures), with leaves and flower stems left over winter for additional protection. The use of sandy or gravelly mulch will help to protect plants and prevent rot from occurring.
