Taxon

Agastache rupestris

 
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Agastache rupestris - hummingbird mint, sunset agastache, licorice mint, sunset hyssop, threadleaf giant hyssop
Image: Joan Grabel
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Common name: hummingbird mint, sunset agastache, licorice mint, sunset hyssop, threadleaf giant hyssop
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint)
Distribution: New Mexico, Arizona
Habitat: Canyons, montane
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5 (-20 to -10 °F)
Life form: Herbaceous perennial
Occurrence in New Mexico: New Mexico native plant
Growing Conditions: Native to cool lower mountain slopes at elevations from 5,000–7,000 feet in Arizona and New Mexico, hummingbird mint grows on granitic soils in open forests and canyons with ponderosa pines and oaks. This plant is easily grown in average, dry to medium wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It grows best with moderate moisture, particularly during the first year, but drainage is essential. Crown or root rot may develop in poorly draining soils. Plants will perform poorly and may not survive winter in hard clay soils that retain moisture. Sandy/gravelly mulches may help to avoid onset of rot. Plants tolerate heat and dry soils once established. Deadhead spent flowers to promote blooming or cut back plants in late summer to encourage a fall re-bloom.
Description: Upright and shrubby in appearance, hummingbird mint grows 2-3 feet tall and has thread-like, lance-shaped, silver-green foliage. Whorls of tubular flowers are borne on spikes. Distinct multicolored flowers have salmon colored petals resting in purple sepals. Both flowers and leaves are fragrant.
Links: Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN-Taxonomy) • NatureServe Explorer • SEINet

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