Agastache

Agastache ‘Pink Pearl’ is a captivating tender perennial renowned for its aromatic foliage and vibrant flower spikes that bring lasting colour to your garden throughout the summer. Unlike traditional Agastache varieties that often display blue or purple blooms, ‘Pink Pearl’ offers a refreshing twist with its eye-catching pink flowers. In warmer climates, it reliably returns each year, while in cooler regions, it self-sows readily, bringing annual beauty to your garden. This plant not only attracts birds, butterflies, and bees but also has anise-flavoured leaves that can be used in teas and culinary dishes.

Planting Instructions:

• Timing: Plant in spring after the risk of frost has passed or anytime until early summer. Autumn plantings will remain dormant through winter and sprout in spring.
• Light: Thrives in full sun for the best flowering, but can tolerate part shade, especially afternoon shade in warmer climates, though this may reduce flowering.
• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH close to neutral. In acidic soils, amend with lime.
• Spacing: Start seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings when they reach at least 10 cm tall, spacing them 30 to 38 cm apart. For row planting, thin to 30 cm apart after four leaves develop.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist for seedling establishment. Once mature, Agastache is drought-tolerant and can survive extended dry periods.
• Fertiliser: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Avoid over-fertilising, as it can reduce flowering, essential oils, and may lead to weak stems.

Pruning and Maintenance:

• Pruning: Pinch back new growth in spring to encourage bushier plants. Deadhead spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance. For perennials, avoid pruning or deadheading after midsummer to prevent late-season growth that may not survive winter.

Growing Tips:

• Indoor Start: Agastache can be started indoors in late autumn or early winter and transplanted in early spring for quicker flowering.
• Hardiness: Suitable for Australian climate zones 3 to 10. In colder zones (3 to 4), protect the plant with a layer of mulch during winter. In warmer zones, it can thrive year-round.

Uses:

Agastache ‘Pink Pearl’ is ideal for the back of perennial borders or as a striking feature along fences. It also thrives in container gardens and cut flower arrangements. Perfect for bird and pollinator gardens, it attracts native bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds such as honeyeaters. Deer Resistant. 

FAQs:

• Can I grow Agastache in a container? Yes, it is well-suited for container gardening.
• Is Agastache a good pollinator plant? Absolutely! It is highly attractive to native bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds.
• Are the flowers edible? Yes, the flowers can be used to make tea.
• How can I use Agastache in my garden? Ideal as a border plant, in cut flower gardens, and for attracting pollinators. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.

Supplied as tube-stock plants in 50mm & 100mm pots

Photo(s) courtesy of TERRA NOVA® Nurseries, Inc.
www.terranovanurseries.com