Korean Mint Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee'
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ABOUT
Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee', commonly known as Korean mint or golden jubilee hyssop, is a visually striking plant that displays vibrant foliage and attractive flowers. Its leaves are a highlight, garnering attention with their unique golden-green hue that can add a bright splash of color to any garden setting. The foliage on this plant is not just colorful but also aromatic, emitting a pleasant, minty fragrance when brushed or crushed, which can be quite delightful on a warm day. The plant produces tall spikes adorned with small, tubular flowers that tend to be a lovely shade of lavender or purple. These blooms cluster densely along the upright stems, creating a vertical display of color that contrasts beautifully against the lighter-toned leaves. The flowers are a favorite among pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making this plant an excellent addition if one is aiming to attract wildlife to the garden. Overall, the appearance of Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee' is characterized by its luminous foliage and eye-catching floral displays, which together form a captivating combination in ornamental beds, borders, and herb gardens. Its aromatic qualities also make it a popular choice for sensory gardens or as a fragrant addition to paths and walkways, where passersby can enjoy its pleasant scent.
About this plant
Names
Family
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Korean Mint, Wrinkled Giant Hyssop, Purple Giant Hyssop, Blue Licorice, Huo Xiang, Golden Jubilee Anise Hyssop.
Common names
Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee'
Toxicity
To humans
Korean mint (Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee') is not known to be toxic to humans. It is actually used in culinary applications and traditional medicine in some cultures. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities are possible, and it is always advisable to proceed with caution if trying a new plant for the first time.
To pets
Korean mint (Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee') is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It does not appear on lists of plants that are commonly considered poisonous to animals by organizations such as the ASPCA. However, pets with specific sensitivities may still have adverse reactions to ingesting this plant, and it is generally a good practice to prevent pets from eating non-food plants.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits
- Attractive Foliage - The 'Golden Jubilee' has distinctive golden-green foliage that provides ornamental value to gardens.
- Pollinator Friendly - The flowers of the plant attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for low-water gardens.
- Culinary Use - The leaves of Agastache rugosa can be used in culinary dishes for their minty, anise-like flavor.
- Fragrant - The plant emits a pleasant, aromatic fragrance that can enhance the sensory appeal of a garden space.
- Long Blooming Period - It produces flowers for an extended period, from mid-summer to early fall, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Ease of Care - The 'Golden Jubilee' is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Deer Resistant - This plant is resistant to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Herbaceous Perennial - As a perennial, the plant returns each year, creating a long-term feature in landscapes.
Medical Properties
- Antimicrobial: Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee', also known as Korean mint, has been reported to possess antimicrobial properties against various pathogens.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains compounds that exhibit antioxidant activity, which can help in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.
- Digestive Aid: Korean mint is traditionally used to help alleviate digestive issues such as bloating and nausea.
- Anti-inflammatory: It may exert an anti-inflammatory effect, which can contribute to reducing swelling and pain in various conditions.
- Anti-viral: Some studies suggest that extracts from Korean mint might have anti-viral effects, particularly against certain strains of viruses.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee', commonly known as Korean mint, can be used as a natural dye, where its leaves and flowers provide a range of green and yellow hues to fabrics.
- Korean mint can be incorporated into potpourris for its unique aromatic properties and to add a touch of color to the mixture.
- The plant is suitable for companion planting, as it may help to repel certain insect pests from nearby plants due to its strong scent.
- Korean mint, with its distinctive foliage, can be used as a filler in floral arrangements to add both volume and a splash of color.
- It can be planted along walkways and border edges, where brushing against the plant will release its pleasant fragrance.
- Korean mint can be used in educational gardens to teach students about plant habit and characteristics, such as leaf texture and scent.
- The leaves can be used to make a natural insect repellent by crushing them and rubbing the oils on the skin.
- This plant's quick growth makes it useful for erosion control in gardens or on slopes, as it establishes a strong root system.
- Korean mint can be added to compost piles as a source of green matter, contributing to a well-balanced compost mix.
- Photographers and painters may use the plant as a subject or as a backdrop in compositions to capture its striking golden leaves and violet flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Korean Mint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Korean Mint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Attraction: The Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee', commonly known as Korean Mint, has a strong, pleasant fragrance that is known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, symbolizing allure and magnetism.
- Healing: Often used in herbal medicine, Korean Mint's healing properties make it emblematic of health and restoration.
- Protection: In some cultures, the intense aroma of Korean Mint is thought to ward off unwanted insects and pests, representing safety and defense against negative forces.
- Gratitude: 'Golden Jubilee' with its bright, attractive foliage, could symbolize thankfulness and celebration, potentially in reference to the jubilant nature of its namesake anniversary.
- Perseverance: As a plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, Korean Mint may signify endurance and the ability to persist through adversity.
Water
Korean Mint should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide the plant with approximately 1 inch of water per week, which equates to about 0.623 gallons for a square foot of soil. During the peak of summer, this may increase to twice a week depending on the local climate and soil drainage. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering—if it feels dry, it's time to water. Overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in water can lead to root rot, so good drainage is essential.
Light
Korean Mint thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be positioned where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, as full sun exposure encourages more robust growth and better flower production. However, in very hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense heat.
Temperature
Korean Mint prefers a temperate range and can tolerate a temperature range from about 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s highly adaptable but performs optimally at temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It may not survive freezing temperatures, and frost can damage the leaves, so it should be protected or moved indoors if temperatures are expected to dip below freezing.
Pruning
Korean Mint should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and to maintain its shape. Prune lightly in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and again after the first flush of flowers to promote a second blooming. Pruning can be done as needed to shape the plant, but avoid heavy pruning late in the season, as this can affect winter hardiness.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Korean Mint 'Golden Jubilee' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from 6 to 7. The best soil mix would include two parts garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage.
Repotting
Korean Mint 'Golden Jubilee' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, which is noticeable when roots start to circle the bottom or grow through drainage holes.
Humidity & Misting
The Korean Mint 'Golden Jubilee' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and does not have specific humidity requirements, making it suitable for typical outdoor conditions.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Korean Mint ‘Golden Jubilee’ near a sunny window.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
5-10 USDA
Life cycle
Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee', commonly known as Korean mint 'Golden Jubilee', begins its life cycle once its seeds are sown in late winter to early spring under cover, or directly in the ground after the last frost. The seeds germinate, and seedlings emerge, requiring warmth and sunlight to thrive. As the young plants develop, they form a rosette of aromatic, golden-green leaves and sturdy stems, entering the vegetative growth stage. Throughout the summer, Korean mint 'Golden Jubilee' progresses to the flowering stage, producing spikes of tubular, lavender-blue flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into small nutlets containing seeds, the plant's reproductive stage, spreading to propagate the next generation. As winter approaches, this perennial herb dies back to the ground in colder climates, becoming dormant, while its root system survives to regrow the following spring, completing its life cycle.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee', commonly known as Korean mint or Golden Jubilee Hyssop, can be propagated through seeds. The most popular method is by sowing the seeds which can be done in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. To propagate, first, spread the seeds sparsely across a tray filled with a well-draining seed starting mix. Lightly press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them, as they require light for germination. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the tray in a warm spot with plenty of indirect sunlight. Germination typically occurs within 1-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a couple of sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the garden, maintaining a spacing of about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to accommodate their growth.