Agastache pallidiflora var. neomexicana ‘Rose Mint’

Description

Agastache pallidiflora var. neomexicana ‘Rose Mint’

Lovely warm rose-pink elongated (really quite long) tubular flowers in a long spike clearly defined into distinct whorls which makes it reminiscent of a betony. Calyces are also a deep pink, though unlike many Agastache, the anthers are largely confined inside the flower tube. More mature flower spikes are backed up at the base by a pair of shorter secondary flower spikes. Small, greyed, bushy fragrant foliage clothes a smallish but distinctly upright bush to 2 feet high.

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.