Hummingbird mint is a popular ornamental plant that is often used in gardens to attract hummingbirds. With its small tubular pink or white flowers and minty fragrance, it’s easy to see why many gardeners assume that hummingbird mint is a type of mint. However, hummingbird mint is actually in the Agastache genus, while true mints belong to the Mentha genus. This raises the question – is hummingbird mint considered a real mint?
Botanical classification of hummingbird mint
Hummingbird mint has the botanical name Agastache rugosa. It’s also known by the common names Korean mint, wrinkled giant hyssop, and krinkled giant hyssop. Meanwhile, true mints belong to the genus Mentha. There are many popular mint species within this genus, including:
- Peppermint – Mentha x piperita
- Spearmint – Mentha spicata
- Pennyroyal – Mentha pulegium
- Apple mint – Mentha suaveolens
- Orange mint – Mentha x piperita f. citrata
- Pineapple mint – Mentha x gracilis
- Ginger mint – Mentha x gracilis ‘Madalene Hill’
So while hummingbird mint shares a common name with true mints, it does not share the same genus. This is the first clue that hummingbird mint is not botanically considered a real mint.
Characteristics of the Lamiaceae family
However, before we can conclusively say that hummingbird mint is not a real mint, we need to look at the characteristics that define plants in the mint family Lamiaceae. This is the family that contains both the genus Mentha (true mints) and the genus Agastache (hummingbird mint).
Plants in the Lamiaceae or mint family generally share these features:
- Square stems
- Opposing pairs of leaves
- Strong scented leaves containing volatile oils
- Two-lipped flowers with five united petals
- Four-parted ovary which splits into four one-seeded nutlets
The mint family contains many well-known herbs including basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender, sage, and of course, true mints. Any plants that share the characteristics above are considered to be in the mint family.
So while hummingbird mint is not in the Mentha genus with true mints, it does fall into the Lamiaceae family. And it exhibits the defining traits like square stems, fragrant leaves, and two-lipped flowers.
Similarities and differences between hummingbird mint and true mints
Now that we have established that hummingbird mint and true mints both belong to the Lamiaceae family, let’s take a closer look at how they compare:
Similarities:
- Square stems
- Leaves arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the stem
- Aromatic leaves when crushed
- Tubular two-lipped flowers attractive to pollinators
- Presence of volatile oils that give the minty scent
Differences:
- Genus: Hummingbird mint is Agastache while true mints are Mentha
- Flowers: Hummingbird mint has spiky whorls of flowers along its stem while true mints have flowers growing from leaf axils.
- Flower color: Hummingbird mint has pink, purple, yellow, or white flowers. True mints generally have light purple, pink, or white flowers.
- Height: Hummingbird mint grows 2-4 feet tall on average. True mints are low growing 6 inches to 2 feet maximum.
- Hardiness: Most hummingbird mints are perennials in zones 4-9. True mints are hardy perennials best suited for zones 3-11.
- Sun requirements: Hummingbird mint thrives in full sun. True mints prefer part sun or part shade.
- Soil moisture: Hummingbird mint needs well-drained soil and is drought tolerant. True mints need consistently moist soil.
- Spread: Hummingbird mint forms upright clumps. True mints are fast spreading and can be invasive.
- Uses: Hummingbird mint is primarily ornamental. True mints are herbs used for their leaves and essential oils.
So while there are definite similarities, hummingbird mint and true mints have some notable differences when it comes to their growing habits and uses.
Culinary and medicinal properties
One of the defining characteristics of true mints is that they have culinary uses thanks to their minty flavor and aroma. Their leaves can be used fresh or dried to make teas, jellies, desserts and more. The essential oil extracted from mints have medicinal benefits. Certain true mint species are also digestive aids.
Hummingbird mint leaves do have a minty fragrance when crushed. However, most species of hummingbird mint are not used for culinary purposes. The aroma is not considered desirable for teas, culinary dishes, or medicinal uses. An exception is the species Agastache foeniculum which has some culinary applications and is sometimes called golden hummingbird mint or anise hyssop. But most common Hummingbird mint varieties are strictly ornamental plants.
Can hummingbird mint be considered mint?
Based on all the information presented:
- Hummingbird mint is in the genus Agastache, while true mints are genus Mentha.
- It shares many traits common to the Lamiaceae mint family such as square stems and aromatic leaves.
- But it has different flowers, height, hardiness, sun requirements, and uses compared to true mints.
- Most species lack the distinct culinary flavor and medicinal qualities associated with true mints.
The conclusion is that while hummingbird mint shares some similarities with true mints and belongs to the same botanical family, it cannot be considered a true mint species. It has different attributes and lacks the definitive culinary mint flavor and uses. The common name ‘hummingbird mint’ refers to its resemblance to true mints in terms of appearance and fragrance. But when it comes to formal botanical classification, hummingbird mint does not belong to the Mentha genus of true mints.
How to use hummingbird mint in the garden
While it isn’t a culinary herb, hummingbird mint has many attractive qualities that make it an excellent addition to gardens, landscaping, and container plants. Here are some tips for using hummingbird mint:
- Plant in full sun for the best growth and maximum blooms.
- Space plants 12-24 inches apart depending on variety.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
- Cut plants back to about one-third their height after flowering to promote bushy new growth.
- Water weekly until established. Mature plants are quite drought tolerant.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- Good drainage is essential, especially over winter. Raise beds if soil is heavy.
- Mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture and control weeds.
- Can be grown as perennials in zones 4-9. Will die back each winter.
- Annual varieties can be started from seed in early spring.
With proper care, hummingbird mint will reward you with months of tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The fragrant foliage also helps to repel pests. Make sure to select the Agastache varieties that are best suited for your growing zone.
Popular types of hummingbird mint
There are many different Agastache species and cultivars to choose from. Here are some of the most popular varieties for gardens:
Agastache foeniculum
Features lavender-blue flowers and anise-scented foliage. Grows up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Perennial in zones 4-9. Also called anise hyssop.
Agastache aurantiaca ‘Apricot Sprite’
Compact variety growing 10-12 inches tall and wide. Apricot-orange flowers bloom all summer. Hardy in zones 7-10.
Agastache ‘Black Adder’
Has spikes of smoky-purple flowers from midsummer to fall. Grows 22 inches high and 12-18 inches wide. Perennial in zones 5-9.
Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’
Yellow-leafed variety with lavender-blue flowers. Grows 24 inches tall and wide. Hardy in zones 5-9.
Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’
Long blooming with deep violet-blue flower spikes. Grows up to 28 inches high and 24 inches wide. Perennial in zones 5-10.
Agastache ‘Kudos Coral’
Compact at 16 inches high with coral-orange blooms. Grows 10-12 inches wide. Hardy in zones 7-11.
Agastache aurantiaca ‘Sunset Yellow’
Cheery yellow flowers complement gray-green foliage. Grows 14-18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Perennial in zones 7-11.
Agastache ‘Astello Indigo’
Dense, long spikes of indigo flowers from midsummer to early fall. Height and width of about 20 inches. For zones 5-9.
Combining hummingbird mint with other plants
The tall spiky flowers of hummingbird mint contrast nicely against bushy and clumping plant shapes. Here are some great options for plant pairings:
Shasta daisies – The bold white blooms of Shasta daisies go well with the purple hues of many hummingbird mints.
Catmint – Pair blue hummingbird mint varieties with the lavender flowers of catmint for a soft and soothing combo.
Russian sage – The wispy purple flower spikes and fine silvery foliage complement hummingbird mints beautifully.
Coneflowers – For a prairie style garden, combine coneflowers like purple echinacea with yellow or orange hummingbird mint.
Daylilies – The colorful tubular blooms of daylilies create a fun mix when planted near hummingbird mint.
Salvia – For lots of hummingbird appeal, plant red or fuchsia flowering sage varieties alongside hummingbird mint.
Verbena – Low growing verbenas in shades of purple or pink make a great edging plant to contrast the tall flowers of hummingbird mint.
Astilbe – For shade gardens, combine Astilbe varieties with Agastache rugosa for height and flower interest.
Combining hummingbird mint with other nectar-rich ornamentals that flower at the same time extends the display and attracts more pollinators to your garden.
Conclusion
While commonly called a mint, hummingbird mint (Agastache species) is not botanically considered a true mint from the Mentha genus. However, it does belong to the same Lamiaceae family as mints and has aromatic foliage. But hummingbird mint differs from true mints in its growing habits and lack of culinary properties. This attractive pollinator-friendly perennial is primarily grown as an ornamental plant rather than an herb. With its tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of purple, yellow, orange, pink and white, hummingbird mint serves as an excellent nectar source to draw hummingbirds and other pollinators to gardens. Pair it with plants like daisies, catmint, coneflowers, salvia and more. Give hummingbird mint a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden and enjoy its beauty and appeal to wildlife.
