Mexican Giant Hyssop
Agastache mexicana
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Agastache mexicana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Not known
Southern N. America - Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Central America, Mexico, North America, USA. UK (RHS).
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
The highly aromatic young leaves are used as a flavouring in salads and cooked foods. The young leaves are used to make a herbal tea.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
Attracts wildlife. The flowers are very attractive to bees.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
A perennial plant. It can be grown as an annual. Prefers a warm sunny sheltered position and a well-drained soil. Succeeds in most soils. Although given a hardiness rating of 9 in (which means that a plant is not very frost-tolerant), this species is thriving in a sunny bed at Kew Botanical Gardens and so should be hardy to at least zone 7. Another report says that it withstands temperatures down to about -40°c when dormant. Yet another report says that it should succeed outdoors in the milder and drier counties, but that it is not very long-lived. The flowers are very attractive to bees. The flowers are pink or red.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 13°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring. Fairly simple, if large divisions are used it is possible to plant them straight out into their permanent positions. Basal cuttings of young shoots in spring. Harvest the young shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm tall and pot them up in a lightly shaded position in a greenhouse. They should root within 3 weeks and can be planted out in the summer or following spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Mexican Hyssop, Mexican Lemon Hyssop, Lemon licorice mint, Mexican giant hyssop.