Agastache aurantiaca 'Sunny Sparks Pink'

Species

4 other cultivars

perennial

Hummingbird Mint

Agastache aurantiaca 'Sunny Sparks Pink'

The Story

Plant Bio

Agastache species, native to the dry grasslands and rocky slopes of North America, are aromatic herbaceous perennials in the mint family. They produce upright spikes of tubular flowers that attract pollinators and possess volatile oils that deter browsing herbivores.

'Sunny Sparks Pink' is a compact, mounding cultivar that produces soft pink tubular flowers emerging from darker rose-pink buds with purple-tinted calyxes. The narrow, dark green foliage releases a strong mint-anise fragrance when crushed.

Uses & Benefits:

Compact, upright spikes of soft pink flowers over fragrant, dark green foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and naturally resistant to deer and rabbit browsing due to aromatic oils.

Highly attractive to hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies, providing a reliable nectar source.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

20"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Amend heavy soils with coarse grit or sand to ensure rapid drainage, as waterlogged roots will fail.
Water regularly after planting until the root system is established, then reduce watering to dry or moderate levels.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the immediate crown to prevent moisture retention.

Pro Tip

Avoid cutting back dead stems in fall; leaving the hollow stems intact until spring prevents winter moisture from collecting in the crown and causing rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in sharply drained, gritty soil.
Prune dead stems close to the base in early spring.
Provide full sun exposure for optimal flowering and compact habit.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils.
Do not prune heavily in autumn, which exposes hollow stems to winter rot.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nitrogen causes weak, floppy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingRock GardensCottage GardensPollinator Gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia Echinacea Lavandula Penstemon

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hummingbird Mint questions

What zones can Hummingbird Mint grow in?

Hummingbird Mint is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hummingbird Mint deer resistant?

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

When does Hummingbird Mint bloom?

Hummingbird Mint typically blooms in late spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hummingbird Mint need full sun?

Hummingbird Mint does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Hummingbird Mint drought tolerant?

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