Agastache

These relatives of sage and mint are an up-and-coming group of plants. More cultivated forms are being developed, expanding the range of late summer spikes of colour for a sunny border. Growing well with Geranium, Achillea and Echinacea. Foliage very aromatic when crushed, hence the common names of anise hyssop and Korean mint. Flowers attractive to wildlife and their effect is enhanced by coloured calyces (the part of the plant holding the individual flowers). Grow in a sunny border and a free-draining soil. If happy keep an eye out for seedling plants.

As with most members of the mint family (Lamiaceae), the flowers are a very important nectar source for larger pollinators especially bees and hoverflies.