Anise hyssop Agastache 'Blue Boa' (PBR)
ABOUT
Agastache 'Blue Boa' is a vibrant perennial known for its eye-catching flower spikes that boast a rich, deep blue color. Each of these striking blooms is tubular and densely packed, forming robust and showy clusters that rise above the foliage, inviting a closer look. The plant itself is adorned with lush green leaves that provide a contrasting backdrop, making the blue flowers even more pronounced. The leaves have a slightly textured appearance, often giving off a pleasant fragrance when touched or disturbed, which can attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. The overall impression of Agastache 'Blue Boa' is one of a bright and lively presence in the landscape, offering a long-lasting burst of color throughout its blooming season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Hummingbird Mint, Hyssop, Blue Fortune
Common names
Agastache 'Blue Boa' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The Agastache, commonly referred to as Hyssop or Anise Hyssop, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widely recognized risk of poisoning from consuming this plant, and it is often used for culinary purposes in teas and as an herb. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities may exist, so it should be consumed with caution if you are unfamiliar with it. There are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with Agastache 'Blue Boa' because it is not typically considered poisonous.
To pets
The Agastache, known as Hyssop or Anise Hyssop, is not commonly listed as toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. It is often used in gardens and landscapes without significant risk to animals. If a pet were to ingest this plant, they are unlikely to experience poisoning. However, it's always a good idea to prevent pets from eating large amounts of any non-food plants, as they could potentially cause stomach upset or other digestive issues simply due to the animal's system not being accustomed to processing plant material. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning from Agastache 'Blue Boa' as it is not known to be a toxic plant to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Agastache 'Blue Boa' attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which help pollinate surrounding plants.
- Easy to grow: It's a low-maintenance plant that can easily adapt to various soil types given adequate drainage.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Long blooming period: It produces flowers from midsummer to fall, adding prolonged color to garden spaces.
- Deer resistant: The plant is not favored by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in gardens with deer presence.
- Fragrant foliage and flowers: The plant emits a pleasant aroma which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Ornamental value: The blue-purple flowers and the tall, erect stature of the plant add vertical interest and vibrant color to landscapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Fabric Dyes: The flowers of Hyssop can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from greens to yellows depending on the mordant used.
- Companion Planting: Hyssop can be planted in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators and potentially improve the taste and growth of certain vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.
- Artistic Pigment: The petals of Hyssop may be ground into a fine powder and mixed with binders to create a natural pigment for art applications.
- Culinary Garnishes: The vibrant flowers of the Hyssop can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts to add color and a hint of minty flavor.
- Ice Cubes Decoration: Frozen into ice cubes, Hyssop flowers can add an ornamental touch to summer drinks and cocktails.
- Hyssop Flower Syrup: The flowers can be steeped in a simple syrup solution to infuse their flavor, which can then be used to sweeten teas and beverages.
- Flower-Pressed Crafts: Hyssop flowers can be pressed and dried to be used in crafting, such as in homemade paper, bookmarks, and scrapbooking.
- Natural Potpourri: Dried Hyssop flowers and leaves can be combined with other herbs and spices to create a fragrant natural potpourri.
- Scented Candles: The essential oil extracted from Hyssop can be used in candle making to impart a relaxing and pleasant fragrance.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried Hyssop stems can be incorporated into floral bouquets and arrangements for their colorful spikes and aromatic foliage.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hummingbird Mint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hummingbird Mint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Agastache, also known as Anise Hyssop, has been used in traditional medicine, symbolizing healing and protection against illness.
- Attraction: With its vibrant blue-purple flowers, Anise Hyssop is believed to symbolize attraction, as it attracts pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies to the garden.
- Peace: The herb's calming scent is associated with peace and tranquility, making it symbolic for serenity and calmness.
- Protection: Anise Hyssop has been planted in gardens to symbolize protection against negative forces and to ward off evil spirits.
- Purity: The plant is sometimes correlated with purity due to its clear, soothing fragrance and the neatness of its flower spikes.
WaterThe Hummingbird mint requires moderate watering, ideally with thorough soaks that allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. This perennial herb prefers less frequent, deep watering to encourage root development rather than shallow, more frequent watering. During the growing season, typically water the Hummingbird mint once every 5 to 7 days; adjust based on weather conditions—less often in cool, cloudy weather, and more frequently during hot, dry spells. Aim to provide approximately one gallon per plant per watering session, ensuring even soil moisture but avoiding waterlogged conditions.
LightHummingbird mint thrives in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. The best spot for this plant is an area that gets unobstructed sunlight from morning to afternoon. While it can tolerate partial shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer blooms if not provided with enough light.
TemperatureHummingbird mint is hardy and can typically withstand temperatures down to around 10 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many temperate climates. However, its ideal growing conditions are within the range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During extreme high temperatures, providing some shade or extra water can help protect the plant and maintain its health.
PruningPrune Hummingbird mint to promote bushiness and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged stems to encourage healthy growth and cut back the entire plant by a third to maintain a compact shape. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season can also encourage reblooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Hummingbird Mint 'Blue Boa' prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix with equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingHummingbird Mint 'Blue Boa' generally does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingHummingbird Mint 'Blue Boa' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but does best with moderate humidity. Avoid overly humid conditions as they can encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-10 USDA
Life cycleAgastache 'Blue Boa', commonly known as Anise Hyssop 'Blue Boa', begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in warm soil, typically in late spring or early summer. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops its first set of true leaves, entering the vegetative growth stage where it focuses on establishing a robust root system and foliage. As it matures, typically in its second year, it enters the flowering stage during summer, presenting tall spikes of vibrant violet-blue flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds by late summer or fall, completing the reproductive cycle. With the approach of autumn, the plant begins to senesce, with above-ground parts dying back with the first frosts while the root system remains alive, allowing the plant to overwinter and regrow the following spring. Perennial by nature, Agastache 'Blue Boa' can repeat this cycle for several years depending on environmental conditions and care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Agastache 'Blue Boa', commonly referred to as Hummingbird Mint or Hyssop, is often propagated through stem cuttings, which is the most popular method used for this plant. The ideal time for taking stem cuttings is late spring to early summer when the plant is in active growth. To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) length, making the cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain a high humidity environment, for example by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. Within a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots, and once established, it can be transferred to a larger pot or planted directly in the garden.
