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Description
Agastache Rugosa, commonly known as Korean mint or wrinkled giant hyssop, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. This plant is native to East Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan, and is widely cultivated as an ornamental herb in gardens and landscapes.Agastache Rugosa produces tall spikes of small, tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The plant’s leaves are green, rough, and wrinkled, with an aromatic scent that is reminiscent of mint and anise.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Agastache |
| Species | Rugosa |
Appearance
Agastache Rugosa grows up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, forming a clump of upright stems that are branched at the top. The plant’s flowers are arranged in dense, spiky clusters that can reach up to 6 inches long, and each individual flower is about 1/4 inch long.The plant’s leaves are oval-shaped, with a serrated edge and a rough, wrinkled texture. They are about 3 inches long and 2 inches wide, and are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems.
Care Guide
Agastache Rugosa is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Agastache Rugosa prefers moderate watering, so make sure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. Follow the package instructions for application rates.- Soil: Agastache Rugosa prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or sand to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Agastache Rugosa requires full sun to thrive, so choose a planting location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Agastache Rugosa is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Agastache Rugosa is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but here are some issues to watch out for:- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Treat with a fungicide and improve air circulation around the plant.- Spider mites: Tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves and cause yellowing and wilting. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant’s sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Root rot: A fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt. Avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage to prevent this issue.
Habitat
Agastache Rugosa is native to East Asia, where it grows in sunny meadows and along forest edges. In cultivation, this plant is often used in herb gardens, borders, and mixed perennial beds.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Agastache Rugosa deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Agastache Rugosa is generally deer-resistant due to its strong scent and rough texture.
Q: Can Agastache Rugosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Agastache Rugosa can be grown in containers as long as the pot is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots and provides good drainage.
Q: How often should I prune Agastache Rugosa?
A: Agastache Rugosa benefits from occasional pruning to encourage bushier growth and prolong the plant’s blooming period. Prune back the stems by half in mid-summer after the first flush of flowers has faded.
Q: Can Agastache Rugosa be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Agastache Rugosa can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and place them in a pot filled with moist potting soil. Keep the soil evenly moist and provide bright, indirect light until the cuttings have rooted.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are similar to Agastache Rugosa:- Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop)- Agastache mexicana (Mexican Giant Hyssop)- Agastache cana (Texas Hummingbird Mint)- Agastache aurantiaca (Orange Hummingbird Mint)
References
– “Agastache Rugosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c930.- “Agastache Rugosa.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/303416/i-Agastache-rugosa-i/Details.- “Agastache Rugosa.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/agastache-rugosa.html.
