Giant hyssop (Agastache 'Summer Breeze')
Agastache 'Summer Breeze' (Giant hyssop) offers orchid pink spikes, fragrance, and low maintenance for sunny borders in Zones 6-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’, commonly known as Giant hyssop, brings substantial color and fragrance to the summer garden. This herbaceous perennial is celebrated for its long blooming power, displaying attractive orchid pink flowers from early summer well into autumn. With its relatively compact habit, Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’ fits beautifully into mixed borders where its aromatic, gray-green foliage provides continuous texture.
This hybrid is valued for its low maintenance requirements once established, thriving in bright sun and tolerating dry conditions. The fragrant foliage and nectar-rich blooms draw in beneficial wildlife, scoring high marks for ecological value. Gardeners appreciate this variety for its reliability and drought tolerance in the heat of the summer months.
The upright, spire-like flowers are a fantastic contrast to softer, mounding perennials. Growing Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’ means securing reliable late-season color while supporting local pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Ensure excellent drainage to maximize its performance through the season and across its hardiness range in USDA Zones 6 through 9.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Orchid pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’ is best done in the spring after the danger of hard frost has passed. Locate this Giant hyssop in an area receiving full sun, as reduced light can lead to legginess. Exceptional soil drainage is absolutely critical; this plant performs poorly in heavy, wet clay soils, which often leads to winter rot. If your soil is heavy, amend heavily with grit or compost to improve aeration.
Once established, this perennial manages well with dry to medium moisture levels, requiring supplemental water primarily during prolonged droughts. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary; over-fertilizing can reduce flower production and compromise structure. The most important maintenance task is deadheading spent flowers regularly to encourage a continuous flush of orchid pink blooms throughout the summer and early fall.
For winter protection in colder Zone 6 sites, avoid cutting back spent stems late in the season. Leaving the dead foliage and stems in place provides insulation. In early spring, prune back the old growth to make way for new stems emerging near the base. Note that seedlings resulting from open-pollination of these hybrids typically do not breed true to the parent plant.
Landscape Uses
Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’ shines as a bold, aromatic accent in sunny landscape designs. Its vertical structure makes it an excellent inclusion in mixed perennial borders, where it draws the eye upward between shorter foreground plants. Because it tolerates drier conditions once established, it pairs well with other sun-lovers like coneflowers and ornamental grasses.
This Giant hyssop is highly effective near patios or along walkways where its fragrant foliage can be brushed against, releasing its distinct anise/licorice scent. Furthermore, the dense spikes of tiny flowers make them highly desirable for cottage gardens, providing a long-lasting source of color and attracting pollinators. Plants cut in prime condition also make long-blooming additions to fresh flower arrangements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Agastache, commonly called giant hyssop, is a genus containing about 30 species of upright herbaceous perennials, most of which are native to North America. Agastache hybrids often have showier flowers and better winter hardiness than species plants. Hybrids typically feature dense terminal spikes of tiny 2-lipped tubular flowers which bloom mid-summer to fall atop stiff square stems clad with fragrant, gray-green to medium green leaves. ‘Summer Breeze’ is a chance hybrid that features orchid pink flowers and aromatic foliage, blooming profusely from June to September on stems typically growing to 36” tall.
Tolerances
- Deer
Potential Problems
The primary threat to Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’ is fungal disease or root rot linked directly to poor drainage. Crown or root rot can quickly kill the plant if it is situated in heavy, perpetually moist soil. To prevent this, ensure high amendment levels for drainage before planting.
While generally pest-free, gardeners should watch for common issues like rust, powdery mildew, or leaf spots, especially in humid conditions or where air circulation is poor. Good air movement, achieved by adequate spacing, is the best cultural defense against mildew. Fortunately, deer consistently avoid munching on this fragrant Giant hyssop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Giant hyssop suitable for?
Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9.
How large does Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’ grow?
This variety typically reaches a mature height of 2 to 3 feet and spreads to a similar width of 2 to 3 feet.
What sun exposure does Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’ need?
This plant thrives best in full sun, which encourages the most robust blooming and dense growth habit.
When does Giant hyssop bloom?
Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’ offers an extended bloom period, typically flowering from June straight through September with continuous orchid pink spikes.
Conclusion
For gardeners seeking vibrant, long-lasting color combined with aromatic foliage and strong pollinator appeal, Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’ is an outstanding choice. This low-maintenance Giant hyssop delivers dependable performance in sunny, well-drained locations throughout its range. Before planting, confirm that your growing location offers the essential sharp drainage needed for this perennial to establish and return year after year.
Companion Planting
When siting Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’, consider companions that enjoy similar sun and dry-to-medium water requirements. Plants that offer contrasting textures and bloom times work exceptionally well alongside the vertical spires of this Giant hyssop. Good neighbors include Echinacea (Coneflower) varieties or sturdy, drought-tolerant ornamental grasses like Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), which offer different forms throughout the season. Avoid placing it near moisture-loving plants, as this can create an inconsistent watering schedule that stresses the Agastache.
Wildlife Benefits
The tubular, nectar-rich flowers that characterize Agastache hybrids are irresistible to hovering wildlife. The genus name itself references the flower spikes’ resemblance to wheat ears, but the true value for gardeners lies in their ability to attract beneficial insects. Both honeybees and native bumblebees heavily utilize the blooms of Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’. Hummingbirds are also frequent visitors, making this a perfect addition to any dedicated butterfly or wildlife garden where continuous foraging opportunities are desired from June through September.
