The Red Agastache 'Heather Queen' (Agastache x ‘Heather Queen’) is a stunning perennial herb renowned for its brilliant red spikes of tubular flowers, which attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Also known as Hummingbird Mint or Hyssop, this vibrant plant adds a pop of color to gardens while providing medicinal and culinary benefits. The 30 seeds in this pack will help you grow a striking plant that thrives in sunny gardens and dry, well-drained soil. Perfect for pollinator-friendly or herb gardens, Agastache 'Heather Queen' is not only beautiful but also easy to grow and maintain, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Key Features:
- 30 High-Quality Seeds: This pack contains 30 seeds of Red Agastache 'Heather Queen,' a vibrant, pollinator-attracting herb with striking red flowers.
- Hummingbird & Pollinator Friendly: The plant’s tubular flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an essential addition to any pollinator garden.
- Vibrant Red Blooms: Red Agastache produces stunning, long-lasting spikes of red flowers that bloom throughout the summer, creating a bold visual display.
- Medicinal and Culinary Uses: The leaves of Agastache 'Heather Queen' have a minty, slightly aniseed flavor, making them suitable for teas, herbal remedies, and flavoring dishes.
- Drought-Tolerant & Low Maintenance: Once established, Agastache is highly drought-tolerant and resistant to pests, requiring minimal care. Perfect for xeriscaping or dry garden conditions.
Growing Information:
- Light Requirements: Red Agastache thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate light shade but produces the best blooms in bright, sunny locations.
- Soil Preferences: Agastache 'Heather Queen' prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. It thrives in slightly alkaline to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. While it is tolerant of poor soils, it requires good drainage to avoid root rot.
- Planting Tips: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow them directly outdoors in early spring once the danger of frost has passed. Lightly press the seeds into the soil, as they need light to germinate, but do not cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist until germination, and once seedlings appear, thin them to 12-18 inches apart.
- Watering Needs: Agastache is drought-tolerant once established but requires regular watering during the first growing season. Water deeply but infrequently to allow the soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as Agastache is susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions.
Benefits:
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright red flowers are specifically designed to attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making this plant an excellent choice for a pollinator-friendly garden.
- Medicinal Uses: Agastache has a long history of use in herbal medicine. Its leaves can be used to make teas that may help with digestion, alleviate stress, and support respiratory health.
- Culinary Uses: The leaves have a minty, slightly licorice flavor and can be used in teas, desserts, or savory dishes to add a unique herbal flavor.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Agastache requires little care. It is resistant to pests and diseases, making it an ideal plant for gardeners who prefer a hands-off approach.
- Long Bloom Period: Agastache 'Heather Queen' blooms from late spring to early fall, providing months of vibrant color and attracting pollinators throughout the season.
Growing Zones:
Agastache 'Heather Queen' is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10. It is a hardy perennial in temperate climates and can be grown as an annual in cooler zones if desired. In colder regions, the plant may die back in winter but will typically return in the spring.
How to Use in the Garden:
- Pollinator Garden: Agastache 'Heather Queen' is an excellent addition to any pollinator garden. Plant it alongside other nectar-rich plants such as lavender, bee balm, or salvias to create a haven for hummingbirds and bees.
- Flower Borders and Beds: Use Red Agastache as a border plant or in flower beds to add color and attract pollinators. The tall, spiky flowers create a vertical element in garden designs.
- Herb Garden: Agastache makes a lovely addition to herb gardens. Its fragrant leaves are not only beautiful but also functional, offering culinary and medicinal uses.
- Dry Gardens or Xeriscaping: Due to its drought tolerance, Agastache is perfect for xeriscaping or dry garden landscapes, where water conservation is a priority.
- Cut Flower Arrangements: The long-lasting blooms make Agastache 'Heather Queen' a great option for cut flowers, adding bright color to flower arrangements or vases.
Conclusion:
The 30 Red Agastache 'Heather Queen' (Hummingbird Mint / Hyssop) Flower Herb Seeds provide gardeners with a vibrant, pollinator-friendly plant that offers both beauty and utility. With its striking red flowers, this hardy perennial attracts hummingbirds and other beneficial insects while adding color and texture to your garden. Agastache is also prized for its medicinal and culinary uses, with minty, anise-flavored leaves that can be used in teas, dishes, or herbal remedies. Drought-tolerant and easy to grow, it is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens, flower beds, herb gardens, and xeriscaping. Whether you're enhancing a pollinator garden, creating herbal concoctions, or simply enjoying a colorful garden feature, Agastache 'Heather Queen' is a versatile and rewarding plant to grow.