Agastache Kudos Coral Hummingbird Mint Live Plant – Starter, Perennial Flower

Overview

Introducing the stunning Agastache Kudos Coral live plant, a magnificent addition to any garden that seeks to combine vibrant beauty with effortless charm. This aromatic, flowering herbaceous perennial, often known as Hummingbird Mint plant care or Hyssop, is celebrated for its striking coral-colored tubular flowers. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, this plant is not only easy to grow and maintain but also a magnet for local wildlife. Native to North America and eastern Asia, Agastache species boast a range of colors and forms, but the ‘Kudos Coral’ variety stands out for its brilliant hue, making it a focal point in any landscape. Its fragrant foliage can also be used for teas, potpourris, and culinary creations, providing a versatile element to your outdoor space. This particular starter plant will quickly establish itself, bringing joy and life to your garden.

The Agastache family offers diverse varieties to suit various garden styles. Beyond the popular Hummingbird Mint, you’ll find types like those with large flower spikes and mildew resistance, or genetically dwarfed hybrids with honey-mint scented blooms. Other selections feature light blue flower spikes, licorice-scented foliage, or are well-suited for containers, showcasing vibrant purple or deep violet-blue flowers. Compact varieties are also available, perfect for smaller spaces or patio pots, ensuring there’s an Agastache plant for every gardener.

Key Benefits

Cultivating an Agastache Kudos Coral live plant offers a multitude of advantages for both the gardener and the environment. Its beauty is matched only by its practicality, making it a highly desirable choice for various garden settings. This perennial plant is truly a powerhouse of positive attributes, enhancing your outdoor living space with minimal effort.

• Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant coral blooms are irresistible to beneficial insects and birds. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to these flowers, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem. This makes the Agastache Kudos Coral live plant an excellent choice for supporting local wildlife.
• Deer-Resistant: Enjoy your beautiful garden without the constant worry of deer damage. Agastache is known for its natural resistance to deer, making it one of the best deer resistant plants, allowing its beauty to flourish undisturbed. This is a significant advantage for gardeners in areas with deer populations.
• Edible Leaves and Flowers: The fragrant foliage and flowers of Agastache are not just for display. They can be harvested for a variety of uses, including brewing aromatic teas, creating delightful potpourris, and enhancing culinary dishes. Discover the versatility and many Hyssop plant benefits in your home.
• Long-Lasting Perennial Color: Unlike annuals, this Agastache perennial returns year after year, providing continuous beauty and color with minimal fuss. Its extended blooming season ensures a vibrant display throughout much of the growing season, offering enduring appeal.
• Low-Maintenance: Ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners, Agastache is remarkably easy to grow and care for. It requires little attention once established, making it a perfect choice for those seeking high impact with low effort. Its robust nature makes Hummingbird Mint plant care a breeze.
• Aromatic Fragrance: Beyond its visual appeal, the plant emits a pleasant, minty fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of your garden. The delightful aroma adds another layer of enjoyment to your outdoor space.
• Drought-Tolerant: Once established, Agastache is highly drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice and suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in drier climates.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Agastache Kudos Coral live plant is straightforward, ensuring a rewarding gardening experience. This resilient plant thrives with proper attention to its basic needs, allowing it to produce abundant blooms and lush foliage. Understanding these simple guidelines will help your Hyssop plant flourish and provide continuous beauty throughout the season.

Sunlight Requirements: This hyssop plant benefits greatly from ample sunshine. It thrives in full sun, meaning it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to achieve optimal blooming and vigorous growth. While it can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates, its performance as a Hummingbird Mint will be best when exposed to plenty of light. Position your plant in a south-facing or west-facing spot in your garden for the best results.

Watering Schedule and Soil Moisture: Initially, after planting, water your Agastache thoroughly. Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can be detrimental, so ensure good drainage. During prolonged dry spells, however, occasional deep watering will help maintain its vitality. The key to successful Hummingbird Mint plant care regarding water is moderation.

Soil Type and Drainage: Agastache prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can adapt to a variety of soil types, but heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture should be amended with organic matter to improve drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot, especially during cooler, wetter periods. Consider raised beds or amending with compost for optimal conditions.

Temperature Range and USDA Hardiness Zone: The Agastache Kudos Coral live plant is generally hardy in USDA Zones 5-10. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers warmer conditions for robust growth. In colder climates, mulching around the base of the plant in late fall can help protect the roots from freezing temperatures, ensuring its return in spring. For container plants, moving them to a sheltered location during severe winter weather is recommended.

Fertilization: Agastache is not a heavy feeder. A light application of a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring, just as new growth emerges, is usually sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Good compost mixed into the soil at planting time often provides enough nutrients for the first season.

Pruning and Maintenance: For optimal blooming, pinch the plant once at transplant to encourage bushier growth. Throughout the growing season, remove spent flower spikes (deadhead) to promote continuous flowering. This simple practice will keep your Hummingbird Mint looking tidy and producing more blooms. In late fall or early spring, you can cut back the dead foliage to about 6 inches from the ground to make way for new growth.

Size & Details

The Agastache Kudos Coral live plant is provided as a healthy starter plant, ready to thrive in your garden or container. While specific dimensions can vary based on growing conditions and maturity, these plants typically grow to a mature height of 18-24 inches with a similar spread. They form an upright, bushy clump, making them an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, or as a vibrant specimen in a patio pot. The plant will arrive well-rooted and carefully packaged, ensuring a smooth transition to its new home.

The growth rate of Agastache is moderate to fast, allowing you to enjoy its full beauty relatively quickly after planting. Expect a robust display of coral-colored flowers from mid-summer through fall, providing an extended season of interest. The starter plant is typically grown in a nursery pot approximately 2-4 inches in diameter, providing a strong root system ready for transplanting. With proper care, your Agastache perennial will establish itself and become a cherished part of your garden for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this Agastache Kudos Coral live plant get? A: This Agastache variety typically reaches a mature height of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) and spreads about 18-24 inches wide. Its upright, bushy habit makes it suitable for various garden designs.
• Q: What size pot is best for planting my Agastache starter plant? A: A 4-inch to 1-gallon pot is ideal for initial planting of your Agastache Kudos Coral live plant, providing enough room for the roots to establish before transplanting to its final location.
• Q: How much sunlight does this plant need? A: Agastache thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure abundant flowering. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but may produce fewer blooms.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for, making Hummingbird Mint plant care simple? A: Yes, Agastache is considered a low-maintenance plant, suitable for gardeners of all experience levels. It is drought-tolerant once established and generally pest and disease resistant.
• Q: What condition will my Agastache Kudos Coral live plant arrive in? A: Your plant will arrive as a healthy starter plant, well-rooted and carefully packaged to ensure its safe journey. It will be ready for immediate transplanting into your garden or a larger pot.
• Q: Can I use the leaves and flowers of this Hyssop plant? A: Absolutely! The leaves and flowers of this hyssop plant are edible and aromatic. They can be used to make teas, for potpourris, or as a fragrant addition to culinary dishes, showcasing the many Hyssop plant benefits.
• Q: Will these deer resistant plants survive the winter in colder climates? A: Agastache ‘Kudos Coral’ is hardy in USDA Zones 5-10. In colder zones (5-7), mulching around the base in late fall will help protect the roots and improve its chances of returning in spring, making it one of the reliable deer resistant plants.
• Q: How often should I water my Agastache plant after planting it? A: Water thoroughly after planting. Once established, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, as Agastache is drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering.
• Q: Is Agastache safe for pets and children? A: Yes, Agastache is generally considered child and pet-safe, allowing you to enjoy its beauty and fragrance without worry.
• Q: When is the best time to plant this Agastache perennial? A: The best time to plant your Agastache perennial is in spring after the last frost, allowing it ample time to establish before the heat of summer or the cold of winter.