Post a reply

Image
Aug 24, 2015 5:27 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Judy
NW MO (Zone 6a)
Annuals Hummingbirder Region: Missouri Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Plant Lover: Loves 'em all!
Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Salvias Seed Starter Frogs and Toads Foliage Fan Birds
I am learning so much here and it is wonderful to be among fellow plant lovers. I promise, I won't take over the forum, but this issue is another that is stumping me. I just started with Agastaches this year and one of my favorites, which I bought at a local area nursery, is A Rupestris (Sunset hyssop is the common name on my tag). I love all Agastaches but the thin fine leaves on this variety make a nice contrast to some of the other varieties' leaves. In researching if there are any more of this Rupestris species with different color blooms but the same general look, I have found 2. One called "Joyful" and one called "Glowing Embers". If these 2 definitely are different colors of that species I really would like to add other to my gardens. I am learning botanical names and about propagation from seed vs cuttings. My understanding is that both of these varieties do put out seed as my Sunset does, and where possible I would like plants that I can collect seed from it let self seed. Of course I understand that if a plant is patented unlicensed propagation is prohibited.
I have the close up pics of the blooms on my A Rupestris Sunset and a picture of the plant. Just behind that is A. Heatwave (a hybrid that pretty sure is patented) and behind Heatwave is A. Blue Boa which is a patented hybrid. Marilyn I think I read that you have all three of these A Rupestris varieties? I haven't figured out how to tag yet.
Thumb of 2015-08-24/jg0613/fb95f8
Thumb of 2015-08-24/jg0613/c92aa5
Image
Aug 24, 2015 11:34 PM CST
Name: Marilyn
Kentucky (Zone 6a)
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
Region: United States of America Rabbit Keeper Hummingbirder Salvias Charter ATP Member Birds
Echinacea Butterflies Tender Perennials Bee Lover Container Gardener Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
@jg0613

I had A. rupestris Joyful ( Sooner Plant Farm offers it http://www.soonerplantfarm.com... ), but the wild eastern cottontail rabbits decided that they didn't like it in the flowerbed I had it in and sat on it (breaking down the stems), chewed the stems, etc... and it died. Crying Sad Thumbs down

It is very colorful and beautiful and I haven't gotten around to getting it again from Sooner to replace it.

A. rupestris and A. rupestris Glowing Embers are both introductions of High Country Gardens. They look to be out of A. rupestris, but in the spring they should have it.

A. Black Adder is a great and dependable variety and is a great bee plant.

Here's the Agastaches plant database, if you haven't found it already.

The Anise Hyssops Database

I would've added more now, but it is late and I have to go to bed. I'll respond more tomorrow. Nice pics and a beautiful and colorful multi plant pic.

Don't you just love Agastaches and Salvias! I do and try to plant a lot of them each year.
Welcome to the Agastache and Salvias Forum!

Hummingbirds are beautiful flying jewels in the garden!


Last edited by Marilyn Aug 24, 2015 11:40 PM Icon for preview
Image
Aug 25, 2015 12:44 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Judy
NW MO (Zone 6a)
Annuals Hummingbirder Region: Missouri Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Plant Lover: Loves 'em all!
Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Salvias Seed Starter Frogs and Toads Foliage Fan Birds
I will absolutely be adding more Agastaches and Salvias- as many as I can afford to get next spring. I found both databases but thank you for mentioning them. There is so much I have yet to learn about how to do things in the site. I already have the A Rupestris Sunset and have collected some seeds to save so I should be good for that one. Really leaning toward A. Cana, A Ava, A Red Happiness (saw your pics and comments on that one), and the A Rupestris Glowing embers provided it is actually a different shade of color than the Sunset I already have. And that is just Agastaches, and just getting started making my wish list! I probably will have room for not much else after getting all the Salvias and Agastaches. But that is ok! I do have 2 honeysuckles and we made a bordered bed on the side of our detached garage that does not get full sun so we put in perennial Lobelias (Cardinal flowers) which I have also come to love.
Image
Aug 27, 2015 4:46 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Judy
NW MO (Zone 6a)
Annuals Hummingbirder Region: Missouri Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Plant Lover: Loves 'em all!
Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Salvias Seed Starter Frogs and Toads Foliage Fan Birds
Update:
Since High Country Gardens has A Rupestris Glowing Embers, I asked this question on live chat with their customer service. She confirmed that they are slightly different color variations of the same species. I may just have to order a couple for fall planting- however while I was on the website A. Red Happiness really caught my eye so may get a couple of those instead (if I can't get both kinds).
Image
Aug 27, 2015 11:28 PM CST
Name: Marilyn
Kentucky (Zone 6a)
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
Region: United States of America Rabbit Keeper Hummingbirder Salvias Charter ATP Member Birds
Echinacea Butterflies Tender Perennials Bee Lover Container Gardener Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
Judy

If you plant Agastaches this fall and they fail, let HCG know and they'll replace it or if they're out of it they'll let you substitute another plant.

You'll love Red Happiness and love the color of Glowing Embers too.
Welcome to the Agastache and Salvias Forum!

Hummingbirds are beautiful flying jewels in the garden!


Image
Aug 28, 2015 11:38 PM CST
Name: Marilyn
Kentucky (Zone 6a)
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
Region: United States of America Rabbit Keeper Hummingbirder Salvias Charter ATP Member Birds
Echinacea Butterflies Tender Perennials Bee Lover Container Gardener Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
Marilyn said:Judy

If you plant Agastaches this fall and they fail, let HCG know and they'll replace it or if they're out of it they'll let you substitute another plant.

You'll love Red Happiness and love the color of Glowing Embers too.


@jg0613

I'd gotten 3 plants of Red Happiness in the fall when they introduced it and 2 didn't make it the following spring, so I contacted HCG and they were out at the time of RH, so I asked for 2 Glowing Embers. I don't normally plant Agastaches in the fall in zone 6a, as I think they need more time to grow roots before the winter hits.
Welcome to the Agastache and Salvias Forum!

Hummingbirds are beautiful flying jewels in the garden!


Image
Aug 29, 2015 12:58 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Judy
NW MO (Zone 6a)
Annuals Hummingbirder Region: Missouri Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Plant Lover: Loves 'em all!
Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Salvias Seed Starter Frogs and Toads Foliage Fan Birds
I will keep that in mind. Especially with the up and down weather we have been having. Maybe I should focus on getting the coarse sand mixed into the soil and get the crushed gravel for mulch and spend fall getting that done so will be ready for next spring. If I do a fall order it would likely be only 2 of one kind to fl in the spot at the center rear of the bed. For that am considering either A. Cana which I believe is a taller one. Although I believe Red Happiness gets pretty tall too and would look good there. In this bed the soil is already very we draining but still want to work coarse sand into it and get the gravel on top. I also need to prepare another area for more Agastaches as I will have the one bed completely full by next spring for sure. Also going to extend the width of my perennial borders for more big Salvias. Don't much care if I have room for anything else. Except I do have 2 honeysuckles, that we and the hummers love (and the smell is wonderful). Also my Black night butterfly bush and then I have a moister bed with more shade that I have Bleeding Hearts but mostly perennial Lobelias (Cardinal flowers).
Image
Aug 29, 2015 2:12 PM CST
Name: Marilyn
Kentucky (Zone 6a)
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
Region: United States of America Rabbit Keeper Hummingbirder Salvias Charter ATP Member Birds
Echinacea Butterflies Tender Perennials Bee Lover Container Gardener Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
I've never had luck with A. cana before, but I may get it and try again. I recommend Red Happiness. I had one plant of the three that overwintered in the ground and I've another Red Happiness plant that I added to a container this year and it has been doing great.
Welcome to the Agastache and Salvias Forum!

Hummingbirds are beautiful flying jewels in the garden!


Image
Aug 29, 2015 6:00 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Judy
NW MO (Zone 6a)
Annuals Hummingbirder Region: Missouri Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Plant Lover: Loves 'em all!
Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Salvias Seed Starter Frogs and Toads Foliage Fan Birds
I may go with A Red Happiness now and wait till spring to try A cana. Marilyn does Red Happiness get at least 3 feet tall? For the place I want to put them in my Agastache bed I need a variety at least that tall because it is at the back. That is one reason I was considering A. Cana instead. But I can always find another spot for A Cana. I think the Red Happiness would look great with the other colors in there- well the A Cana would too!! Also had considered A Ava, which I guess is a hybrid of A Cana and A Barbieri from HCG (I think you have Ava don't you?)
Image
Aug 29, 2015 11:02 PM CST
Name: Marilyn
Kentucky (Zone 6a)
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
Region: United States of America Rabbit Keeper Hummingbirder Salvias Charter ATP Member Birds
Echinacea Butterflies Tender Perennials Bee Lover Container Gardener Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
According to HCG, Red Happiness gets to 28-32 inches tall. http://www.highcountrygardens.... I don't know how tall the two of mine are, as I've been pinching them lately, so they might be shorter than their height.

I been growing two A. Desert Solstice (another HCG intro) for a few years. They state the height is 32-36 inches tall. http://www.highcountrygardens.... I never thought to measure them and I don't think they're on the high end of 36 inches, but then I've planted them too close together than they should be.

A. Ava, another HCG intro http://www.highcountrygardens.... They've stated, in their printed catalog, to plant it in compost enriched garden loam. They've stated it takes 2 or 3 growing seasons for it to reach its mature size of 48-60 inches tall x 24 inches. You can always pinch it back if it gets too tall. Wonderful and beautiful Agastache that keeps its coloring long into the season. I should grow more of it. I lost the 2 - 3 plants I had in the ground after a few years and I think I didn't have enough compost in the soil.

Here's a pic I took (of the one I got earlier this year) on August 1 of this year in the container tub next to the back of the house on the patio and a cropped pic of it. I made sure I added plenty of the Vermont Compost Plus container booster to the soil. http://www.gardeners.com/buy/o...

Early next year they should have more Agastaches available than they do now. Get on their website and add your email address so you'll know firsthand when they have sales, info, new intros, etc.... and request their printed catalog.


Thumb of 2015-08-30/Marilyn/c1aa41 Thumb of 2015-08-30/Marilyn/7d7fdb
Welcome to the Agastache and Salvias Forum!

Hummingbirds are beautiful flying jewels in the garden!


Image
Aug 30, 2015 1:09 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Judy
NW MO (Zone 6a)
Annuals Hummingbirder Region: Missouri Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Plant Lover: Loves 'em all!
Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Salvias Seed Starter Frogs and Toads Foliage Fan Birds
Well 32 inches should be tall enough so Ref Happiness would work I think. GREAT pics of Ava Marilyn!! I may have to try that one first. I wouldn't care if it takes more than a year to attain full height. You have given good info as usual and I appreciate it so much! Whichever one I start with I have s string feeling I will end up with all of them by next spring!!
Another that has caught my eye is "Firebird" because it is a hybrid and one of its parents is A Rupestris (the other being A coccinea I believe
Image
Aug 30, 2015 1:56 PM CST
Name: Marilyn
Kentucky (Zone 6a)
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
Region: United States of America Rabbit Keeper Hummingbirder Salvias Charter ATP Member Birds
Echinacea Butterflies Tender Perennials Bee Lover Container Gardener Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
Bluestone Perennials has Firebird and other Agastaches. http://www.bluestoneperennials...

Lazy S'S Farm Nursery has Firebird and other Agastaches http://www.lazyssfarm.com/Plan... (scroll towards bottom of page)

I just might to grow that one again next year. Thumbs up

Agastache 'Firebird' is a hybrid of two Agastaches, A. coccinea and A. rupestris.
Welcome to the Agastache and Salvias Forum!

Hummingbirds are beautiful flying jewels in the garden!


Last edited by Marilyn Aug 30, 2015 1:59 PM Icon for preview
Image
Aug 30, 2015 4:48 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Judy
NW MO (Zone 6a)
Annuals Hummingbirder Region: Missouri Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Plant Lover: Loves 'em all!
Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Salvias Seed Starter Frogs and Toads Foliage Fan Birds
Yes Bluestone is one place I have looked. They have a good selection and I noticed they use the biodegradable plantable pots which are wonderful. I can tell my list is going to be longer now for Agastaches, but I think I will stick to just one for fall planting. And I haven't even begun to add Salvias yet!!! Except for the ones I already love that only grow as annuals here.
Avatar for WardDas
Sep 10, 2015 11:27 AM CST

The only western Agastache likely to survive zone 6a winters is rupestris and maybe its hybrid Firebird although one must keep in mind that there are winters where temperatures stay above average and then all bets are off. Rupestris also survives summer droughts much better than other western Agastaches. Some of my plants are 10 years old now. Size varies according to conditions. I have some in extremely dry barren sand that don't reach 2 feet and a few hundred yards away other plants that are shaded part of the day in richer sandy soil that reach almost 4 feet. Rupestris throws off lots of seedlings, often crossing with other species. Those can be fun to leave where they are since some may also turn out to be really hardy too.
Image
Sep 10, 2015 1:53 PM CST
Name: Marilyn
Kentucky (Zone 6a)
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
Region: United States of America Rabbit Keeper Hummingbirder Salvias Charter ATP Member Birds
Echinacea Butterflies Tender Perennials Bee Lover Container Gardener Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
@WardDas

Welcome! Welcome!

I love rupestris! Great Agastache staple for the garden. Hardy to zone 4a, it is hardy for most northern gardeners, than most Agastaches, especially east of the Mississippi River.

That's wonderful that you've had some that long! I've had three original plants in the ground last many years, but not quite 10 years. I've grown it in containers also that came back after a few winters and do get volunteers here and there.
Welcome to the Agastache and Salvias Forum!

Hummingbirds are beautiful flying jewels in the garden!


Image
Sep 13, 2015 4:42 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Judy
NW MO (Zone 6a)
Annuals Hummingbirder Region: Missouri Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Plant Lover: Loves 'em all!
Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Salvias Seed Starter Frogs and Toads Foliage Fan Birds
I have come to love Agastaches so much that I am going to plant as many varieties as I can (this year have 5 counting A rupestris sunset). Though in zone 6a we live in an area where our back yard where the Agastaches are is pretty well protected from winds and with adequate soil amendment and crushed gravel mulch am hoping some if not all survive. If they don't, I will just buy them each year as I do my favorite Salvias that are not hardy in my zone. @Marilyn you have had multiple Agastache species survive your zone 6a winters, haven't you? Firebird is one I definitely want. A rupestris is one that I do like a lot. I collected seeds from mine already and sowed a few in a pot- got several seedlings but one is growing faster and bigger than the others. If it gets big enough I will move it to its own container or possibly in the Agastache bed. I also would tend to let any seedlings that appear in the bed grow to see what they turn out like!!
Image
Sep 14, 2015 12:25 AM CST
Name: Marilyn
Kentucky (Zone 6a)
Laughter is the Best Medicine!
Region: United States of America Rabbit Keeper Hummingbirder Salvias Charter ATP Member Birds
Echinacea Butterflies Tender Perennials Bee Lover Container Gardener Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
@jg0613

In zone 6a, I wouldn't wait too late in the fall to plant them, so they come back next year.

I always say "can't have too many Agastaches" Smiling
Welcome to the Agastache and Salvias Forum!

Hummingbirds are beautiful flying jewels in the garden!


Only the members of the Members group may reply to this thread.
  • Started by: jg0613
  • Replies: 16, views: 2,735
Member Login:

( No account? Join now! )

Today's site banner is by Zoia and is called "Volunteer"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.