Agastache Sunny Sparks Tangerine

Agastache Sunny Sparks Tangerine is a hardy variety, with a particularly compact habit. This perennial forms an upright and dense clump with dark green foliage that is scented with aniseed and mint. From July onwards, it develops slender spikes of small, elongated flowers in a soft orange that attract butterflies and bees in large numbers. It is a vigorous and hardy hybrid that can tolerate some drought once established. It is an ideal perennial for sunny borders. Plant it near pathways or patios to enjoy its fragrance. Choose a position in the sun and plant it in rich, well-drained soil.  Provide a little water during summer. Remove faded flower spikes to support its magnificent flowering.

Agastache Sunny Sparks Tangerine is a plant from the Lamiaceae family, related to salvias, catmints, and thymes. This herbaceous perennial forms a large upright clump, with highly branched stems, reaching a height of 50cm (20in) and a width of 60cm (24in). The plant bears triangular leaves, 5cm (2in) long, with toothed edges. The dark green leaves grow along the length of the angular flower stems. When crushed, they release a pleasant scent of aniseed and mint. Flowering occurs continuously from July to October in the form of upright, densely packed inflorescences composed of small tubular orange flowers. This particularly nectar-rich and honey-bearing flowering attracts a large number of bees and butterflies. This variety is hardy down to -15°C (5°F). It will be more perennial in soil that remains dry in winter.

Agastache Sunny Sparks Tangerine is easy to grow in well-drained soil. It tolerates occasional drought. It is ideal in sunny flower beds with a slightly wild appearance, and in large flower borders. It looks wonderful in pots on a patio, in groups of three identical plants or mixed with blue, violet, or red agastaches. Water generously during the flowering period in hot regions. This trouble-free perennial adds substance to flower beds composed of grasses (such as stipas, eragrostis, pennisetums), herbaceous salvias, tall daisies, echinaceas, and goldenrods. It also pairs very well with yellow or orange shrubby potentillas, as well as with Geranium 'Azure Rush'. It will also look lovely with purple asters. It is highly attractive to bees, making it ideal for planting in orchards and vegetable gardens.

The highly scented flowers and leaves are edible. They are delicious in salads or fish dishes.