Agastache Heather Queen

Germination Instructions

Sow indoors. Sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Press seeds lightly into the soil but do not cover. Light is needed for germination. Propagate 18-20°C. Germination 7-14 days, but can be irregular and take up to 90 days. Water only from the base. Once germination begins admit air to prevent damping off. Once seedlings are large enough to handle transplant to 8cm pots. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed with 50cm spacing.

Growing Instructions

Prefers full sun in any soil type that is free draining. Needs little attention. Water every week or two. May require staking in exposed conditions.

Cultivation Instructions

Cut back spent flowers to encourage a longer flowering window. This will self-seed but not freely so collect some seed for future sowings. Clump forming. Divide every 3-4 years in early spring to maintain plant vigour.

Heather Queen Mexican Hyssop will grow to be up to 85cm tall at maturity, with a spread of 45cm. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 6 years.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for alkaline soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Heather Queen Mexican Hyssop is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.