Agastache x 'Morello' - Morello Hyssop - Hummingbird Mint

Amazing, large and dense spikes of deep burgundy rose from spring through fall; aromatic, licorice scented foliage turns dark in cooler temperatures; a favorite for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds; good mildew tolerance

Height: 30 inches. Spread: 20 inches. Sun: full sun. Hardiness zone: 5a.

Ornamental features

Morello Hyssop features airy spikes of lightly-scented rose tubular flowers with burgundy calyces rising above the foliage from late spring to mid fall, which emerge from distinctive dark red flower buds. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its attractive fragrant narrow leaves remain green in color throughout the season.

Landscape

Morello Hyssop is an open herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Mass Planting, General Garden Use, Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens, Herb Gardens, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Morello Hyssop will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 inches. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 6 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for alkaline soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.