Giant hyssop 'Tango' Agastache 'Tango'
ABOUT
'Tango' is a quick-growing, clump-forming perennial to about 50cm, often grown as an annual. It has grey-green, aromatic foliage and spikes of well-spaced, yellow and orange, tubular flowers from mid-summer into autumn
About this plant
- Names
Family
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Hummingbird Mint, Hyssop, Giant Hyssop
Common names
Agastache 'Tango'
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts wildlife: Agastache 'Tango', commonly known as Hummingbird Mint, is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which help pollinate the garden.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its vibrant orange flowers, Agastache 'Tango' adds striking color and texture to any landscape.
- Long blooming: It has a long flowering season, from early summer to fall, providing extended visual interest.
- Easy care: Hummingbird Mint is generally low-maintenance and is not prone to many pests or diseases.
- Herbal uses: The leaves are aromatic and can be used to add flavor in cooking, although not medical use is being considered here.
- Companion planting: This plant can be effectively paired with other perennials to create a diverse and beneficial plant community.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Agastache 'Tango' can be used as a dye plant where its flowers impart subtle hues to fabrics during the natural dyeing process.
- The aromatic leaves of the Agastache 'Tango' can be used in potpourri mixes, adding a unique scent to the blend.
- Dried flower spikes of Agastache 'Tango' can be incorporated into decorative wreaths and floral arrangements for a touch of color and texture.
- Plant enthusiasts may use Agastache 'Tango' as a companion plant in the garden, as its strong scent is believed to deter certain pests.
- The nectar-rich blooms of the Agastache 'Tango' can be a food source for hummingbird farm or sanctuary to attract these birds for observation.
- Agastache 'Tango' can be utilized as an educational tool in botany and horticulture courses to demonstrate pollinator-friendly garden practices.
- The leaves of Agastache 'Tango' can be used to infuse vinegars or oils with a minty and anise-like flavor for culinary experimentation.
- Agastache 'Tango' may serve as a natural insect repellent when the leaves are crushed and rubbed onto the skin.
- Agastache 'Tango' can be utilized in fragrance development for creating essential oils with a unique herbal scent profile.
- The vibrant colors and patterns of Agastache 'Tango' can be used as inspiration for artists and designers in various fields including textile design and landscape art.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Agastache is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Agastache is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Attraction: The bold orange flowers of the Tango Hummingbird Mint attract pollinators such as hummingbirds, symbolizing an allure or drawing in of positive forces or attention.
- Healing: Known for its medicinal properties, Tango Hummingbird Mint represents health and healing.
- Warmth: The warm hues of its blooms are reminiscent of a cozy fire or sunset, symbolizing comfort, passion, and warmth.
- Joy: The vibrant color and delicate fragrance of the Tango Hummingbird Mint bring joy and happiness, uplifting the spirits.
- Water
The Agastache 'Tango', commonly known as Hummingbird Mint or Hybrid Anise Hyssop, should be watered deeply once or twice a week, providing enough water to saturate the soil to a depth of at least one inch. During hot or dry periods, increase watering frequency to ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely, but allow the topsoil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Generally, one to two gallons per week per plant should suffice, but this can vary based on soil type and weather conditions.
- Light
Hummingbird Mint thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Light conditions that are too dim can result in leggy plants and fewer blooms, so choose a spot that is well-lit and away from taller plants that might cast too much shade.
- Temperature
Hybrid Anise Hyssop is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it performs best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 15°F and maximum temperatures up to around 90°F. Ideally, maintain a consistent temperature around the ideal range for optimal growth.
- Pruning
Prune Hybrid Anise Hyssop in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to remove any dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Pruning encourages bushier growth and more blooms during the flowering season. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers can promote a longer blooming period. Pruning can be done once a year or as needed to maintain the desired shape and health of the plant.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Hummingbird Mint 'Tango' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A suitable mix can be made with equal parts of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage. Overly rich soils should be avoided to prevent overly lush growth that is less robust.
- Repotting
Hummingbird Mint 'Tango' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Repotting helps to rejuvenate the soil and provide space for further root growth, which is essential for the health of the plant.
- Humidity & Misting
Hummingbird Mint 'Tango' prefers a moderately humid environment but is quite adaptable and can tolerate low humidity levels commonly found in home settings. It's not necessary to provide extra humidity for this plant.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-10 USDA
- Life cycle
The Hyssop 'Tango' begins its life cycle when the seeds, typically sown in early spring, germinate in warm, moist soil. Once established, the seedlings grow into young plants with characteristic fragrant foliage and square stems, common traits in the mint family. As the plant matures during the spring and early summer, it develops flower spikes that showcase its vibrant orange-red blossoms, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Throughout the summer, the Hyssop 'Tango' continues to bloom, with proper deadheading encouraging additional waves of flowers. As autumn approaches, the plant’s growth slows, and it will begin to die back if exposed to frost in colder climates, though in milder regions it may persist as a perennial. If it survives the winter or is in a zone where it is perennial, the Hyssop 'Tango' will regrow from its rootstock the following spring, thus continuing its lifecycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
Agastache 'Tango', commonly known as Hyssop, is best propagated through seed sowing. The most ideal time to propagate by seeds is in late winter to early spring, just before the last frost date. The seeds should be surface sown on well-draining soil and require light to germinate, so they should not be covered. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination. Typically, you can expect seedlings to emerge in 14-30 days at temperatures between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 18-21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can then be carefully transplanted into individual pots or direct into the garden once the risk of frost has passed and they are large enough to handle.