Flowering Herb
Apache Sunset Agastache is a stunning heirloom flower that brings the warmth of the Southwest into any garden. This compact perennial reaches just 24 inches tall with deep orange and purple-tinted blooms that hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees find absolutely irresistible. The fragrant foliage carries a minty, root beer scent that makes it as delightful to brush against as it is to view. Hardy in zone 6, drought tolerant once established, and blooming continuously from June through November, this low-maintenance beauty takes just 112 days from seed to first flowers and thrives on neglect rather than fussing.
Full Sun
Low
6-6
24in H x 18in W
Perennial
Low
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What sets Apache Sunset Agastache apart is its intoxicating root beer-mint fragrance combined with the rich, sophisticated color palette of deep orange flowers tinged with purple. This is a plant that works beautifully as both a visual focal point and a sensory experience, brush the foliage and the scent lingers on your fingers for hours. The extended bloom window from early summer straight through fall means pollinators will visit your garden for months, and the plant's exceptional drought tolerance and deer resistance make it one of the most reliable performers for low-water gardens.
The flowers and foliage make an exceptional tea with a mellow, complex flavor profile that combines mint and root beer notes. Both the blooms and leaves are fragrant enough to enjoy simply brushing past the plant in the garden, and the intoxicating scent makes it a natural choice for cutting gardens where you'll want it close to hand.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Surface sow the tiny seeds and firm them lightly into the soil—they need light to germinate. Keep the containers at 65-70°F with evenly moist conditions, and place a humidity dome over them or use a light sprinkling of fine vermiculite over the seed tray to maintain moisture until sprouts emerge, which typically happens in 14-21 days.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings into the garden after all danger of frost has passed, spacing them at least 12 inches apart.
You can also sow directly in the garden in your desired growing location after all danger of frost has passed.
Harvest flowers and foliage for tea once the plant is established and blooming. Pick flowers when they're fully open and the foliage throughout the growing season. For the best flavor, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day intensifies the plant's aromatic oils.
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