Hummingbird mint (Agastache) is a perennial herb that is a favorite nectar source for hummingbirds. There are over 20 species of hummingbird mint, many of which are native to North America. These plants produce tall flower spikes that attract hummingbirds with their tubular flowers full of nectar. Hummingbird mint grows best in certain conditions, including full sun exposure, well-drained soil, and adequate water. The ideal location to grow hummingbird mint will provide the light, soil, moisture, and other factors these plants need to thrive.
Sun Exposure
Hummingbird mint does best in full sun. Full sun means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Like other sun-loving plants, hummingbird mint needs sufficient sunlight to produce robust growth and maximum flowers. Locations that provide morning sun and afternoon shade also work well. Insufficient sunlight will result in weaker, leggy growth and fewer blooms. When siting hummingbird mint, choose spots that receive sun for much of the day.
Full Sun Locations
– Southern, western, or eastern exposures
– Garden beds and borders
– Containers on sunny patios or decks
Part Sun Locations
– Areas with morning sun and afternoon shade
– Dappled sun beneath high, thin tree canopies
– Partial shade in hot climates to prevent wilting
Providing adequate sun is key to growing hummingbird mint successfully. Monitor sunlight patterns in your garden to identify the best locations for hummingbird mint.
Soil Requirements
Hummingbird mint thrives in well-drained soil. The ideal soil texture is loose and loamy, which allows for drainage while retaining some moisture. Heavy clay soils or very sandy soils are not ideal. Here are some tips for preparing soil for hummingbird mint:
– Amend dense clay soils with compost or peat moss to improve drainage
– Increase water retention in sandy soils by mixing in organic matter like compost
– Create raised beds filled with enriched potting mix for superior drainage
– Improve poor soils by double digging beds and mixing in organic material
– Test soil pH and correct if needed – hummingbird mint prefers a neutral pH around 7.0
Proper soil preparation provides the ideal conditions for hummingbird mint roots to grow and obtain nutrients and moisture. Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil keeps plants healthy and productive.
Ideal Soil Composition
– Loamy texture – balances drainage and moisture retention
– Rich in organic matter like compost
– Neutral pH around 7.0
– Free of weeds, debris, or hard clay clumps
Soil Preparation Tips
– Loosen compacted soils
– Incorporate compost or other organic materials
– Improve drainage by creating raised beds
– Use container potting mix for barrels or planters
Moisture Requirements
Hummingbird mint flourishes with regular watering. Like most perennials, it requires consistent moisture for best growth and maximum blooms. Here are the key aspects of watering hummingbird mint:
– Provide 1-2 inches of water per week from rain or irrigation
– Increase watering during summer heat or drought conditions
– Avoid overwatering which causes root rot
– Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to target the roots
– Water early in the day to allow plants to dry out by nightfall
– Mulch beds to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Hummingbird mint has moderate water requirements. Take steps to maintain adequate soil moisture through proper watering techniques. Proper moisture prevents drought stress but also avoids waterlogged soils.
Tips for Watering Hummingbird Mint
| New transplants | Water thoroughly at planting and provide regular water to establish |
| Spring | Water when top few inches of soil become dry |
| Summer | Provide deep watering 2-3 times per week |
| Fall | Gradually reduce watering frequency as growth slows |
| Winter | Water sparingly once per month if winter is dry |
Monitoring soil moisture and adjusting your watering schedule appropriately will provide the right amount of water.
Climate Conditions
Most species of hummingbird mint thrive in temperate climates. They can be grown as perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. Here are some key climate factors that affect hummingbird mint:
– Tolerates summer heat but appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates
– Hardy to temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C) when dormant in winter
– Grows as an annual in warmer regions like Zone 10 and south
– Prefers moderate humidity; avoid constantly wet conditions
– Shelter from strong winds which can damage the tall flower spikes
Hummingbird mint is adaptable to a range of climates when provided with appropriate growing conditions. In hot southern regions, it grows best as a fall-planted annual. Select species and cultivars suited to your local environment. Provide some protection from wind. Overall, hummingbird mint is unfazed by heat, humidity, or cold when dormant.
Best Climate Conditions for Hummingbird Mint Growth
| Factor | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| USDA zones | 4-9 |
| Daytime temperatures | 70-95°F (21-35°C) |
| Nighttime temperatures | 55-75°F (13-24°C) |
| Humidity | Average to dry |
| Rainfall | 1-2 inches per week |
| Soil pH | 5.5-7.5 |
Ideal Garden Companions
In addition to meeting its basic growing needs, you can optimize hummingbird mint’s growth and attraction for hummingbirds by planting it with these companion plants:
Sunflowers
Sunflowers provide the tall backdrop needed to display hummingbird mint’s flower spikes. Their big, bright flowers also attract pollinators. Choose single-stemmed varieties like ‘Italian White’ to prevent crowding.
Bee Balm
Also called monarda, bee balm has the same tubular flowers that entice hummingbirds. Its lavender blooms complement the range of hummingbird mint colors. Pick mildew-resistant varieties like ‘Jacob Cline’.
Sages
Pineapple sage, autumn sage, and others have bright flowers on tall stems above hummingbird mint’s foliage. Their nectar also appeals to hummingbirds. Keep them trimmed to prevent heavy woody growth.
Zinnias
Low-growing zinnias like ‘Zahara Starlight White’ make excellent partners in front of tall hummingbird mint varieties. Their colorful, nectar-rich blooms attract pollinators at different levels.
Salvias
Ruby-throated hummingbirds can’t resist the spikes of vivid red flowers produced by salvias. Kindred Spirit sage (Salvia guaranitica) is a striking backdrop for blue or white hummingbird mint.
Pairing hummingbird mint with plants that share its preferences for sun and well-drained soil provides a stunning garden display.
Planting and Care
With the right planting site and care, hummingbird mint will thrive and produce an abundance of nectar-filled blooms. Here are some tips:
Planting
– Set new plants 1-3 feet apart depending on variety size
– Dig holes twice as wide and deep as the root ball
– Place the crown at soil level; don’t bury it too deep
– Backfill with native soil enriched with compost
– Water thoroughly after planting
Care
– Apply 2-3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture
– Stake tall varieties if needed to prevent toppling
– Remove spent flower spikes to encourage new blooms
– Divide crowded clumps every 2-3 years in early spring
– Cut plants back in winter once they are dormant
With proper planting and attentive care, hummingbird mint will prosper and produce flowers over a long season.
Key Species and Cultivars
There are many species and cultivars of hummingbird mint to choose from. Here are some top options:
Agastache foeniculum
This native mint has blue-purple flowers on 18-24 inch spikes. Cultivars like ‘Golden Jubilee’ have yellow-gold foliage.
Agastache rugosa
The Korean mint features lavender-pink blooms and is very compact at just 12-18 inches tall. ‘Black Adder’ is a popular dark leaf cultivar.
Agastache aurantiaca
The orange hummingbird mint has bright orange tubular flowers. ‘Pumpkin Spice’ is an aptly named cultivar with fall color.
Agastache cana
This Texas native has bubblegum-pink flowers that appear in summer. It grows up to 3 feet tall.
Agastache scrophulariifolia
Purple giant hyssop boasts deep purple flower spikes on plants over 5 feet tall. ‘Summer Glow’ has rosy-purple blooms.
With many options to select from, you can find a hummingbird mint variety suited to your climate and garden conditions.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
To maximize the number of hummingbirds visiting your garden, follow these tips:
– Plant red, orange, pink or purple flowering plants
– Choose tubular flowers with adequate nectar
– Deadhead spent blooms to promote new flowers
– Provide a water source like a mister or dripline
– Situate feeders in the shade near flowers
– Use a nectar mix of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water
– Avoid pesticides which can poison hummingbirds
– Place plants near windows so you can enjoy observing activity
In addition to hummingbird mint’s flowers, incorporate other hummingbird favorites. Maintain flowering from spring through fall. A water source provides an additional draw. With a welcoming habitat, you’ll soon delight in seeing ruby-throated and other hummingbird species visiting your garden.
Conclusion
With its long-blooming flowers that attract hummingbirds, hummingbird mint is a great addition to gardens. By choosing a spot with full sun, well-drained soil, and adequate moisture, hummingbird mint will thrive. Annual species grow well even in hot southern climates. Temperate climate gardeners can enjoy hummingbird mint as a hardy perennial. Pair it with sunflowers, bee balm, sages, and other plants that share its growing preferences. With proper care and ideal conditions, hummingbird mint will reward you with vivid flower spikes and busy visits from hummingbirds seeking the nectar-rich blooms.
