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AGASTACHE rupestris

Image of Agastache rupestris

Jessie Keith

Family

Lamiaceae

Botanical Name

AGASTACHE rupestris

Plant Common Name

Rock Anise Hyssop, Sunset Hyssop, Threadleaf Hyssop

General Description

Known for its extreme drought tolerance and outstanding garden performance, sunset hyssop is a strongly aromatic, bushy short-lived perennial native to southern Arizona, New Mexico and northern Mexico. This member of the mint family has fine, fragrant, gray-green leaves. In mid to late summer plants become covered with loose spikes of tubular orange flowers with dusty mauve to lavender bases.

Everblooming and tolerant of poor soils, sunset hyssop requires little deadheading and is highly attractive to hummingbirds. It is a great choice for sunny mixed borders and looks amazing when planted in masses. Mix it with Ratibida columnifera, Powis Castle wormwood and dwarf Russian sage for a great drought tolerant perennial display.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    18"-30" / 45.7cm - 76.2cm

  • Width

    18"-18" / 45.7cm - 45.7cm

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    Southwestern United States, Mexico

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Orange, Lavender

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Gray Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Feature Plant, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes