Ex Tax: 1.95€
It is usually grown as an annual (in Estonian conditions), but it overwinters under cover and can be cultivated as a perennial plant.
This species is usually called Agastache barberi on sale, but according to the new classification it is assigned to the species Agastache pallida and is considered one of its forms.
Despite this, the assumption remains that the cultivated varieties are hybrids of two species - Agastache coccinea and Agastache rupestris. The fact that they reproduce only vegetatively supports this opinion.
Agastache cana naturally grows in mountainous areas in New Mexico and Texas, at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level. Plant 45-90 cm tall. The leaves are oval, pointed, small compared to other species, up to 3,5 cm long and 1,2 cm wide, bluish. The flowers are pink to crimson, with a sweet scent that has been compared to bubblegum, calling the plant Double bubblemint.
Another name is Mosquito plant, because it is believed that when rubbed, the leaves release a scent that repels mosquitoes.
It has tetrahedral stems 60-90 cm tall, characteristic of the family. The leaves are opposite, serrated along the edges, bluish-green, and smell of mint. Two-lipped flowers with a long tube are located in the axils of the upper leaves, forming a loose spike up to 25-30 cm in height. The flowers have a sweet aroma of a mixture of anise and licorice, and are eagerly visited by bees and butterflies. Flowering lasts a long time: from July to the end of summer.
1.0 g = 1500-1550 seeds.
Agrotechnics.
Location: preferably a well-lit, warm, even hot place.
Soil: grows well in poor, well-drained areas. May fall out on heavy wet soils.
Care: in the climatic conditions of Estonia, for successful wintering it is necessary to provide light soil, drainage and preventive dry shelter for the winter. The plant does not tolerate stagnant winter-spring waters. It is important to cut off the above-ground part no later than mid-September, leaving 10 cm of stems, so that root buds wake up, which overwinter well.
Reproduction: seeds and vegetatively.
Sown in open ground in May. Seeds germinate at +20°C. Seedlings develop slowly and when sown in open ground, plants can bloom only in August-September. In order for young bushes to bloom in July-August, they must be grown from seedlings. Seeds are sown in March-April, placing boxes with soil in a warm room.
Use: in miskborders to create bright coloured spots, provides excellent cutting, irreplaceable in fragrant gardens. Lofant is perfect for decorating patios, as it gives them a unique exotic flavour.
Family: Lamiaceae.
Origin: Hybrid origin.
Special Features: Brilliant rose-purple tubular blooms with purple calyxes, abundant flowering, aromatic foliage.
History: The name Agastache is derived from Greek and refers to the many flowering spikes.
Agan means: much and stachys means ear of grain or spike.
Colour: Brilliant rose-purple tubular blooms with purple calyxes.
Natural Flowering Period: June - October.
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z5-10.
Growth Habit: Compact richly branched habit.
Foliage: Bronze colored, aromatic foliage.
Height with Flowers: 40 cm.
Spacing between Plants: 40 cm.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils, pH 6.0 - 7.4.
Location: Full sun.
Use: this combines beautifully with Delosperma cooperi, Kniphofia hirsuta "Fire Dance" and Penstemon "Sunburst Ruby". Magnificently suited for container production or dry gardens.
Specialities: Reliably first year flowering, tolerant of dry conditions, a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies and honeybees.
Eng.: Mosquito-Hyssop, bubble gum mint, giant hummingbird's mint, giant hyssop, hoary balm of Gilead, Mexican hyssop. Bot. syn.: Cedronella cana Hook.