Agastache Sunrise™ Blue Hummingbird Mint

A member of the Sunrise™ Series, Blue is a compact perennial that grows to a mature size of 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Long- and heavy-blooming, the plant sets tall, showy spikes dense with tubular, 2-lipped flowers from mid-spring to mid-fall. Nectar-rich and highly fragrant, the bold blue blooms are irresistible to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; and if allowed to go to seed, they also beckon songbirds. They make stunning cut flowers for floral arrangements or summer bouquets, fresh or dried.

An Agastache hybrid, commonly called hyssop or hummingbird mint, Sunrise Blue has an upright, clumping habit and a fast growth rate. Its gray-green foliage is mint-scented and can be used, fresh or dried, in teas. Hummingbird mint readily self-seeds, so it's a good choice for naturalized areas. And since it is well-adapted to dry soils, it's also good for rock gardens and xeriscapes. But the plant is a great container and garden plant, especially in mixed beds and borders.

Tough, low maintenance, and generally trouble-free, hummingbird mint is one of the easiest perennials to grow. It grows best in a sunny to sun-dappled spot with average to dry, freely draining soil, having a neutral to slightly acid pH. Established plants tolerate heat, dry soils, and some light shade, but the plants will not tolerate wet soils, which may cause root rot. Sunrise Blue hummingbird mint is deer resistant and rabbit resistant. Deadhead faded flowers to promote additional blooms and prevent unwanted self-seeding.