Overview
Agastache breviflora is a clump-forming, bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Agastache, part of the Lamiaceae family, with aromatic, green, greyish-green, or bronze-tinged foliage. Agastache breviflora grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens and flower beds. It is native to Arizona, Mexico Northeast, New Mexico and Texas.
About
Agastache breviflora is an herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae, valued for its aromatic foliage and long flowering season. It forms clumps with multi-stemmed, well-branched growth and greyish-green to bronze-tinged leaves. Flowering runs from July to October. Plant it in full sun on a well-drained neutral loam in a sheltered, south-facing spot.
About the genus
Agastache is a genus of aromatic flowering herbaceous perennial plants in the family Lamiaceae. It contains 22 species, mainly native to North America, one species native to eastern Asia. The common names of the species are a variety of fairly ambiguous and confusing "hyssops" and "mints"; as a whole the genus is known as giant hyssops or hummingbird mints.
Wikipedia contributors, "Agastache", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agastache
In the garden
Agastache breviflora originates from the south-western North American region, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and north‑eastern Mexico. As a member of the mint family it produces aromatic foliage that helps identify the plant even before flowers appear. The recorded flowering season in the UK runs from July to October, giving weeks of interest through late summer and into autumn. Give Agastache breviflora a sunny, south‑facing site where it will be sheltered from prevailing winds. It prefers a neutral‑pH loam that drains freely; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. The hardiness rating H4 corresponds to average hardiness in UK terms, so a protected position in mixed borders, cottage gardens, wildlife schemes, city courtyards or flower beds will best preserve the crowns through colder winters. Position it where the aromatic leaves can be appreciated at close range and where the summer–autumn blooms are easily seen by pollinators. The plant’s clump-forming habit makes it straightforward to group with other sun‑loving perennials in beds and borders. Expect the scent of the foliage to be a reliable seasonal cue and the July–October flowers to extend colour later into the year.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Agastache
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Agastache breviflora size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, bushy
- Foliage
- Aromatic, green, greyish-green, or bronze-tinged
- Suggested uses
- Borders, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens, flower beds
- Native to
- Arizona, Mexico Northeast, New Mexico, Texas
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agastache breviflora
- Propagation
- Seed, division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Agastache breviflora?
Agastache breviflora prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agastache breviflora need?
Agastache breviflora grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Agastache breviflora hardy in the UK?
Agastache breviflora has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Agastache breviflora?
Seed, division in spring.
