perennialN. America Native

Sunset Hyssop

Agastache rupestris

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

21 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial (2-4 years)

Native To

Southwestern U.S. and Mexico

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Agastache, or Hyssop, are aromatic perennials in the mint family, known for their showy spikes of tubular flowers and fragrant foliage. They are typically heat and drought tolerant, thriving in lean, well-drained soils. Agastache rupestris is prized for its fine-textured, silvery-green foliage with a strong licorice-mint scent, and its airy spires of sunset-orange flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Sunset Hyssop offers a unique combination of fine, silvery texture and warm, vibrant color. Its see-through, airy habit allows it to be planted at the front or middle of a border without obscuring plants behind it, adding a haze of color and movement.

This plant is a superb choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens due to its exceptional drought tolerance. The fragrant leaves can be used to make a pleasant herbal tea. It is also deer and rabbit resistant.

It is one of the best plants for attracting hummingbirds, which are drawn to the nectar-rich, tubular orange flowers. It also provides a valuable food source for bees and other pollinators throughout its long bloom season.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with excellent drainage.
Amend heavy soils with gravel or sand to improve drainage.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in the pot.
Backfill with soil and water lightly.
Water sparingly until established; it prefers dry conditions.

Pro Tip

Do not prune or cut back the stems in fall; leaving them standing over winter improves survival rates in colder climates.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Plant in lean, gritty, or sandy soil with sharp drainage.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Leave stems intact over winter for protection.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or wet soil; it will cause fatal root rot.
Avoid fertilizing and rich compost, which leads to weak growth.
Do not overwater, especially in winter.
Don't prune back hard in the fall in zones 5-6.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Star performer in hummingbird and pollinator gardensPerfect for hot, dry rock gardens and xeriscapesAdds airy texture and fragrance to sunny borders

Companion Plants

Salvia greggii Penstemon pinifolius Bouteloua gracilis Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' Oenothera macrocarpa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sunset Hyssop questions

What zones can Sunset Hyssop grow in?

Sunset Hyssop is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sunset Hyssop deer resistant?

Yes — Sunset Hyssop is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sunset Hyssop bloom?

Sunset Hyssop typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sunset Hyssop need full sun?

Sunset Hyssop does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Sunset Hyssop drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sunset Hyssop handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.