Hummingbird’s Mint (Agastache ‘Violet Vision’)

Hummingbird's Mint

Features and Characteristics

Agastache, commonly called giant hyssop, is a genus containing about 30 species of upright herbaceous perennials, most of which are native to North America.

Agastache hybrids often have showier flowers and better winter hardiness than species plants. Hybrid flowers come in a variety of different flower colors including shades of red, orange, pink, yellow and white. Hybrids typically feature dense terminal spikes of tiny 2-lipped tubular flowers which bloom mid-summer to fall in many-flowered verticillasters (false whorls) atop 2-4’ tall stiff square stems clad with opposite pairs of serrate, fragrant (anise/licorice scented) gray-green to medium green leaves. Flowers are attractive to bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.

Genus name comes from the Greek words agan meaning “very much” and stachys meaning “ear of wheat” in reference to the appearance of the flower spikes.

‘Violet Vision’ was bred by Janet N. Egger of Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc. of Canby, Oregon. It was selected from seedlings bred by crossing Agastache cusickii and Agastache rugosa. ‘Violet Vision’ won “Best of Species” in the Penn State University Trials in 201 It is an upright, clumping perennial that is more compact than many other agastaches. It has dense spikes of violet to violet blue blossoms that rise above heart-shaped leaves. Both leaves and flowers have a sweet honey-licorice fragrance. It can be grown as a short-lived perennial or as an annual and will not reseed. ‘Violet Vision’ grows 1 to 2 ft. tall and wide. U. S. Plant Patent #25,274 awarded January 27, 201

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of some light shade. Good soil drainage is essential. Plants will perform poorly and may not survive winter in hard clay soils that retain moisture. Plants tolerate heat and some dry soils once established. Deadhead spent flowers to promote additional bloom. Agastache hybrids are typically winter hardy to at least USDA Zone Where winter survival is a potential problem, plants should be sited in protected locations (e.g., southern exposures) with leaf and flower stems being left in place over winter for additional protection. Sandy/gravelly mulches will protect plants and help to avoid onset of rot. Hybrids grown from seed will usually not come true.

Hummingbird’s Mint (Agastache ‘Violet Vision’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 10
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

Crown/root rot may develop in poorly drained soils. No serious insect or disease problems, but watch for rust, powdery mildew and leaf spots. Deer tend to avoid this plant.

Uses

Bold, aromatic, long-blooming perennials for sunny borders, cottage gardens or butterfly gardens. Effective near patios and along walkways. Good cut flower.

Hummingbird’s Mint (Agastache ‘Violet Vision’) Details

Common name	Hummingbird's Mint
Botanical name	Agastache 'Violet Vision'
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Lamiaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 10
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Violet To Violet Blue
Flowering period	June - September
Height	1 - 2 Ft.
Width	1 - 2 Ft.