Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Blue Fortune Mexican Hyssop, Featured Plant of The Day

Agastache x 'Blue Fortune'
    Mexican Hyssop,  Giant Hyssop

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    6A to 9A
Height    24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm
Spread    12" to 4' / 30cm to 1.00m
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Bloom Color    Blue
Bloom Time    Summer and Fall

The flowers are showy and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

Leaf Color    Green
This plant has attractive foliage and fragrant foliage.

Culture Notes
This plant has a compact habit.  It is a hybrid between A. rugosa and A. foeniculum.  It was bred and selected by Gert Fortgens of the Arboretum Trompenberg in Rotterdam.  The foliage is fragrant, and it is heat and drought tolerant.  This plant attracts hummingbirds and is excellent for sandy soils. Plants serve as butterfly nectar sources. 'Blue Fortune' requires little maintenance and does not require staking.