Agastache ‘After Eight’

Description

Agastache ‘After Eight’

Purpley-blue tubular flowers emerge from narrow, mid-length 3 inch spikes of darker buds and calyces surrounded by a haze of exerted anthers. The glossy lanceolate leaves are deep bronzy-purple on wiry purple stems and very minty fragrant. Older leaves shine pink, especially with the sun shining through them. Altogether a classy plant with a long flowering season form mid Summer into the Autumn. Agastache require sunny well drained positions, but given this are quite hardy in milder Winters. 15 inches. Loved by bees and butterflies.

The flowers are highly attractive not only to us, but to bees and butterflies. Whilst dead-heading stimulates the production of fresh flowers, the last flowers of the season should be left on as the seed provide an Autumn feast for finches. The leaves are edible and may be used to pep up salads or teas. On the downside, Agastache aren’t bone hardy in Britain and cuttings, overwintered under shelter, may be a wise precaution. Drought tolerant. Any soil, needs good drainage.