Also known as Hyssop · 4.6k saves
Agastache
Agastache, the genus most gardeners know as hyssop. We track 63 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Agastache varieties
See all 63 Agastache varieties →Search this genus →
8 species of Agastache
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Agastache in Sow
Save the Agastache you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Agastache
Whats common across all Agastache varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Agastache year
- DeadheadJune–August90% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes to maintain a tidy look and encourage new blooms.
- Spring CleanupFebruary55% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to 2-3 inches before new growth starts in late winter.
- DivideMarch and September53% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years in early spring if vigor declines.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October45% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring after frost or early fall.
- PruneMarch45% of varieties
Cut back old, woody stems to 4-6 inches before new growth begins
- HarvestMay–August38% of varieties
Harvest leaves and flowers for tea or flavoring throughout summer
- Winter PrepOctober and November33% of varieties
Leave seed heads standing through winter to provide food for birds.
- FertilizeMarch30% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer only if soil is very poor
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Agastache
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Introduce beneficial predatory mites or use insecticidal soap |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Agastache
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Mist cuttings and insert into moist potting mix.
- Keep in bright, indirect light for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Agastache questions
How many types of Agastache are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 63 distinct Agastache varieties. The most popular — ranked by 4.6k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Agastache grow in?
Across its varieties, Agastache covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Agastache bloom?
Most Agastache varieties bloom in early summer, mid-summer, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Agastache should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.