Raspberry Hyssop Agastache 'Raspberry Summer' (PBR)
ABOUT
Agastache 'Raspberry Summer', commonly known as Hummingbird Mint, showcases a delightful visual allure with its striking floral and foliage aspects. The plant is distinguished by its vibrant raspberry-pink flowers that form dense, tubular clusters on long, elegant spires, creating a feast of color above the foliage. These eye-catching blooms are a magnet for pollinators, particularly hummingbirds, who are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers. The foliage presents a contrasting texture with its lance-shaped, serrated leaves that are a deep green hue. The leaves emit a pleasing fragrance when brushed against or crushed, adding an aromatic dimension to the plant’s visual appeal. This scented foliage coupled with the striking blooms makes Hummingbird Mint an attractive addition to sensory gardens, where it contributes both visual and olfactory experiences. As the plant matures, it creates a fountain of flowering stems that sway in the breeze, adding movement and life to the garden landscape. The lush green of the foliage serves as a perfect backdrop for the flowers, further accentuating the intense raspberry color, which can bring a burst of warmth to the surrounding greenery. Overall, Agastache 'Raspberry Summer' exudes a casual elegance and offers a pleasing aesthetic with its combination of vivid blooms, fragrant leaves, and an inviting habitat for wildlife. It is a favored choice among garden enthusiasts looking to infuse a pop of color and a touch of wild beauty into their garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Anise Hyssop, Hummingbird Mint, Giant Hyssop.
Common names
Agastache 'Raspberry Summer'
ToxicityTo humans
The Hyssop 'Raspberry Summer' is generally considered safe for humans and is not known to be toxic. In fact, various species of Agastache are often used in teas and as herbs. However, sensitivity varies from person to person, and it is possible for someone to have an allergic reaction to the plant. If ingested in large amounts, gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation is possible. Always exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional if any adverse reactions occur after handling or consuming the plant.
To pets
The Hyssop 'Raspberry Summer' is not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among the common toxic plants that pose a risk to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. However, as with humans, individual pets may have sensitivities or allergies to this plant. If a pet consumes a large quantity of Hyssop 'Raspberry Summer', they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset. If you suspect your pet is having a reaction to the plant, it's best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Raspberry
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 'Raspberry Summer' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination and the health of the ecosystem.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this plant has good drought resistance, meaning it requires less water and maintenance in dry climates or during hot summer months.
- Long blooming period: This variety has a long flowering season that typically lasts from early summer to fall, providing extended color and interest in the garden.
- Fragrant foliage and flowers: The leaves and vibrant raspberry-pink blooms are aromatic, adding a pleasant fragrance to your garden spaces.
- Ease of care: Agastache 'Raspberry Summer' is relatively low maintenance, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Durable: It's resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring that it remains a healthy and vibrant part of your garden without requiring extensive care to combat issues.
- Edible uses: The flowers of Agastache 'Raspberry Summer' are edible and can be used to add color and a mild flavor to salads and desserts.
- Landscape versatility: This perennial is suitable for a variety of garden settings, including borders, beds, and containers, making it a versatile choice for different garden designs.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Agastache 'Raspberry Summer' can be used as a natural fabric dye, providing a range of colors from soft greens to yellows depending on the mordant used.
- The dried leaves and flowers of this plant can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures for a delicate fragrance and splash of color.
- It can serve as a companion plant to vegetable crops, potentially helping to repel harmful pests with its strong scent.
- Agastache 'Raspberry Summer' flowers are edible and can be used to garnish desserts or salads for an aesthetic touch.
- The stems can be dried and woven into decorative wreaths or other craft projects.
- The plant can be used in sensory gardens, as its textured leaves and aromatic scent provide a tactile and olfactory experience.
- It can be planted in outdoor seating areas to enjoy its fragrance and to attract hummingbirds and butterflies for an enhanced nature experience.
- Agastache 'Raspberry Summer' can be used as a natural insect repellent by rubbing the leaves on the skin, as the oils may deter mosquitoes.
- The plant's seeds can be saved and used in bird feed mixes to attract different species of birds to your garden.
- It can be used as a natural confetti at outdoor events, with its petals adding a colorful and biodegradable option for celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Agastache is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Agastache is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attraction: The vibrant raspberry-colored flowers of the Agastache, commonly known as Hummingbird Mint, are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, symbolizing an allure or magnetism that can be translated to human interactions.
- Healing: Many Agastache species have been used in traditional herbal remedies, and the Hummingbird Mint's association with healing represents wellness and the soothing of ailments.
- Joy: With its bright and cheerful blooms, the Hummingbird Mint symbolizes joy and happiness, indicative of its ability to uplift spirits in any garden space.
- Warmth: The warm shades of raspberry evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, and the plant symbolizes a hospitable and welcoming environment, much like one would feel in a sunny, summer garden.
- Fragrance: The Hummingbird Mint is known for its aromatic foliage, which releases a pleasant scent when brushed against, representing the subtle yet pervasive influence one can have on their surroundings.
WaterFor the Hyssop or Hummingbird Mint, which are common names for Agastache 'Raspberry Summer', it is best to water it deeply to establish a strong root system, typically about once a week, adjusting for very hot or dry weather when additional water may be needed. A good approach is to provide about 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring the moisture reaches deep into the soil. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering. During the peak of summer, you may need to water more frequently, ensuring that you're providing consistent moisture but not saturating the plant, as it is drought-tolerant once established.
LightThe Hyssop prefers full sunlight for optimal growth and will flower best in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you are planting it in a particularly hot climate, it can tolerate some light afternoon shade. However, less than full sun may result in a leggier plant and reduced blooming.
TemperatureThe Hyssop thrives in temperatures ranging from about 50°F to 90°F, but can survive temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 100°F for short periods. The ideal temperature conditions for its best growth and flowering are between 60°F and 80°F. These ranges make it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 10.
PruningPruning the Hyssop is beneficial to encourage bushiness and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. It's best to prune in early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will also promote further blooming throughout the season. Cut back the plant by about one-third each year, typically after the last frost, to maintain shape and health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAnise Hyssop 'Raspberry Summer' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix, with a good proportion of organic matter such as compost or peat moss to retain some moisture. A balanced mix would be one part garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingAnise Hyssop 'Raspberry Summer' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Repotting is best done in the spring or early summer to give the plant time to establish in its new pot before the onset of colder weather.
Humidity & MistingAnise Hyssop 'Raspberry Summer' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity. It doesn't require the high humidity levels that some other plants might need and can generally adapt to the humidity found in outdoor environments without additional measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, well-drained soil, water when dry.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, frost-free area, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Agastache 'Raspberry Summer', commonly known as Hummingbird Mint, begins as a seed germinating typically in the spring, when soil temperatures and moisture levels are favorable for sprout development. It then progresses to a seedling plant, where the first true leaves develop, and it starts the process of photosynthesis. As it enters the vegetative stage, the Hummingbird Mint produces a robust root system and an abundance of foliage, growing in height and breadth throughout the growing season, while enjoying full sun and well-draining soil. During late spring to early summer, it enters the flowering stage where it blooms with vibrant raspberry-colored flowers attracting pollinators, especially hummingbirds and bees, which assist in its pollination. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which will mature by the end of summer or early fall, completing its reproductive cycle. The Hummingbird Mint is a perennial in warmer climates, meaning it will go dormant in winter, only to regrow from the rootstock with the arrival of next spring, while in colder climates, it may be treated as an annual or require protection to survive the winter.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Agastache 'Raspberry Summer', commonly known as Hummingbird Mint or Hyssop, is by taking softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) portion just below a leaf node, where the concentration of natural rooting hormones is high. Remove the lower leaves, leaving two or three pairs at the top. The cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development, although it is not strictly necessary. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, and keep it moist but not soggy. Place the cutting in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight until roots are established, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
