Agastache is a genus of about 30 aromatic species native to central and eastern Asia, Mexico, and the United States. Careful breeding and selection have given us newcomers that offer exceptional garden performance and a long season of bloom. In full sun and well-drained soil, they happily shrug off summer heat and early frosts.

Light/Watering: Full sun. Some afternoon shade will protect the leaf color of Agastache 'Golden Jubilee'.

Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Average garden soil that drains well. Do not fertilize the first spring after planting; in subsequent years fertilize once in early spring with 10-10-10 or a layer of well-rotted compost. Acid to neutral pH.

Pests/Diseases: Few insect problems. Mildew can affect the leaves during dry summer weather. Deer generally do not bother Agastache, which is a member of the Mint family.

Companions: Other plants that prefer full sun and well-drained soil make good partners, for example: Milkweed (Asclepias), grasses (especially shorter varieties such as Festuca 'Boulder Blue'), Yarrow (Achillea), Gaillardia, or Russian Sage (Perovskia). The bushier varieties of Agastache, such as 'Blue Fortune' and 'Golden Jubilee', hold their own against most other perennials in a sunny border.

Dividing/Transplanting: Divide in spring if plant has outgrown its space; plant crown at soil level.

Calendar of Care - Agastache

Early Spring: Gradually remove any winter cover. Cut back old stems; large clumps may be divided. Apply one application of balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or a 1-2in layer of well-rotted compost (keep at least several inches away from the plant's crown).

End-of-Season Care: Cut stems back half way to protect the plants from damage by winter winds.