Agastache aurantiaca 'Sunny Sparks Tangerine'

Species

4 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Hummingbird Mint

Agastache aurantiaca 'Sunny Sparks Tangerine'

The Story

Plant Bio

Agastache aurantiaca is an upright, clump-forming perennial native to the dry, rocky soils of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species features highly aromatic, triangular leaves with silver-grey undersides and produces tubular flowers on terminal spikes.

'Sunny Sparks Tangerine' is distinguished by its compact, tightly branched habit and vibrant tangerine-orange flowers. This cultivar forms a sturdy, dense mound that resists splaying, blooming continuously from early summer through fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a dense, compact display of vibrant tangerine-orange flower spikes over highly aromatic, silver-backed foliage.

Highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing due to the strong, volatile essential oils in the foliage.

Provides an abundant nectar source for hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies throughout the summer and fall.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24"

Width

22"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with excellent, sharp drainage, such as a sandy loam or a raised bed.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container, avoiding heavy organic soil amendments.
Water sparingly during the first season to establish the root system, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Leave the dead top growth standing through winter to protect the crown from moisture and freezing temperatures.

Pro Tip

Never cut the stems back to the ground in late fall; leaving the hollow stems intact over winter prevents water from collecting in the crown and causing fatal rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in lean, low-fertility soil to maintain a compact, sturdy growth habit.
Ensure excellent soil drainage, especially during wet winter months.
Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to promote continuous blooming.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize, as excess nitrogen causes weak, sappy growth and reduces flowering.
Do not prune deep into old, leafless woody stems in late fall.
Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly draining soils where water pools.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensDrought-tolerant bordersPollinator gardensCottage gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia Lavandula Echinacea 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 early summer through fall. 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.