
‘Litte Adder’ is great for adding height to a border, with whorls of long-lasting, tiny lavender-blue flowers arranged like a bottlebrush and pointed, aniseed-scented, fresh green leaves that are attractive to butterflies. Try it as part of a Mediterranean scheme or in a sunny, well-drained border among ornamental grasses. Hyssops often need replacing every few years, especially after a cold or wet winter but can be easily propagated by cuttings.
How to care for Agastache rugosa Little Adder:
Plant in a well-prepared bed, lightly conditioned with well-rotted compost or manure. Keep cutting the old stems out to encourage repeat flowers through the summer. Once the flowering period is over, resist the temptation to cut back the faded flower-stems until early spring, as they provide interest in the winter months. Once established, lift and divide congested clumps in spring. Protect roots during the winter with a thick layer of organic mulch around the root zone.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.45m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.