Korean mint
agastache rugosa
Also known as: ["Korean hyssop","fragrant giant hyssop"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to East Asia, known for its aromatic foliage and spikes of lavender-purple flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","medicinal use","culinary herb","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Agastache |
| Botanical Name: | Agastache rugosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but thrives with good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; heavy pruning after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on the goal (shape, reblooming, or rejuvenation).
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moving from shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds in heavy soils; avoid overwatering to maintain soil structure; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); can tolerate cooler nights but avoid prolonged frost.
Monitor temperature extremes; adjust watering and light accordingly; protect from sudden temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when plant is dormant; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in propagation medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, propagation tray, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut back stems to just above a leaf node or bud; remove dead or crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth; also prune after flowering to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune during dry weather; remove dead or diseased parts; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose a clean pot with drainage holes; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting; avoid fertilizing for a few weeks.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback; prolonged cold may lead to root rot.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C); ensure good drainage to prevent cold-induced root issues.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may require more frequent watering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; water before fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAgastache rugosa is not known to be toxic to cats. It is not typically associated with adverse effects when ingested by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAgastache rugosa is not known to be toxic to dogs. It is not typically associated with adverse effects when ingested by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAgastache rugosa is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is often used in traditional medicine and culinary applications without reported adverse effects.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Agastache rugosa edible?
A: Yes, it is commonly used in teas and culinary dishes for its minty flavor.
Q: Does Agastache rugosa attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: How should I care for Agastache rugosa?
A: Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, and water moderately.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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