Agastache mexicana Red Fortune

The Agastache mexicana 'Red Fortune' is a variety of Agastache that grows to a height of 1.20m (4ft) at maturity. Its highly aromatic foliage has hints of anise, mint, lemon, and licorice, giving off a refreshing and pleasant fragrance when crushed or brushed against. In July and August, it produces a very bright, long-lasting flowering in deep red-purple spikes that attract pollinators. With regular deadheading, the flowering can last until October. This plant is not very hardy and is sensitive to temperatures below -8 to -10°C (17.6 to 14°F).

Agastache belongs to the Lamiaceae family, related to salvias, catmints, and thymes. It is native to North America and Mexico. This herbaceous perennial, more perennial in drier winter soils, forms a large upright clump with highly branched stems. It has dark green, triangular leaves with serrated edges that grow along the length of the angular floral stems. When crushed, they release a pleasant scent of anise and mint. The flowering period lasts from July to October, with upright, densely coloured inflorescences composed of small tubular flowers. This highly nectar-rich flowering attracts a large number of bees and butterflies. The 'Red Fortune' variety forms an upright clump that reaches 1.20m (4ft) in height at maturity and gradually spreads to about 50cm (20in) in width. Its bright flowering appears in dense spikes ranging from cherry red to deep purple.

The fragrant leaves and flowers of this Agastache can be used for infusions or dried to flavour dishes. It is easy to grow and tolerates temporary drought, thriving in well-drained soil and sunny locations. Be cautious of powdery mildew during dry periods. In hot regions, it requires sufficient water while flowering. It can be used in informal or wild-looking flower beds, paired with Monardas or salvias. It also works well in large flower borders and containers on the terrace, planted in groups of three identical plants or mixed with blue, violet, or red agastaches to add verticality and animation. This low-maintenance perennial provides structure to flower beds composed of grasses (stipas, eragrostis, pennisetums), herbaceous salvias, tall daisies, echinaceas, solidago, and asters. It also pairs well with shrub potentillas and Azure 'Rush' perennial geranium. As it attracts pollinators, consider using it to attract them to your orchard and vegetable garden. Its spikes are perfect for making dried bouquets.