Purple giant hyssop (Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee')
Agastache rugosa 'Golden Jubilee', or Purple giant hyssop, offers bright golden foliage contrasted by violet-pink spikes, ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’, known commonly as Purple giant hyssop, is a standout herbaceous perennial valued for its vibrant, aromatic foliage and extended summer bloom. The golden-leaved cultivar provides exceptional contrast, making it a focal point even when not actively flowering. This variety offers a manageable height and attracts significant pollinator activity throughout the season.
This plant naturally forms an upright, clump-forming habit, reaching 2 to 3 feet tall. As a member of the mint family, it thrives with relatively low maintenance once established, provided it receives adequate drainage. Gardeners appreciate the anise-scented leaves and the long display of violet-pink flowers that persist from mid-summer into fall.
The hardiness of Purple giant hyssop spans USDA Zones 5 through 8, making it a reliable choice for many temperate regions. Consider adding Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’ to borders or herb gardens where its color and texture can brighten the landscape with minimal fuss.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: July to September
- Bloom Description: Violet-pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’ is best achieved in spring after the danger of frost has passed, or in early fall. Success hinges absolutely on excellent soil drainage; this plant performs poorly in wet, heavy clay, often failing to survive the winter in saturated conditions. Aim for an average, well-drained soil location, though it tolerates heat and some dryness once roots are established.
Water needs are medium, requiring consistent moisture in the heat of summer, especially when young. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil is reasonably fertile. Deadheading spent flower spikes will encourage the production of additional blooms, extending the season for this Purple giant hyssop.
For winter protection in the colder end of its range (Zone 5), a protected location, such as near a south-facing wall, is beneficial. Leave the dead flower and leaf stems standing throughout winter to insulate the crown. Cut back the dead growth in late winter or very early spring before new growth emerges. Applying a gravelly mulch can help avoid crown rot issues.
Landscape Uses
The architectural structure and bright foliage of Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’ make it highly versatile in garden design. It is ideally suited for use in traditional borders where its medium height provides excellent mid-layer texture and color. Furthermore, it naturally lends itself to naturalizing areas where low maintenance is key.
For those cultivating culinary or medicinal plants, its inclusion in herb gardens is straightforward, though its primary use is ornamental. Its appeal to foragers of the floral world means it integrates perfectly into butterfly or pollinator gardens, drawing in bees and hummingbirds with its fragrant, tubular flowers. As noted, plants readily adapt to container culture, making them excellent additions to patios and decks.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Agastache rugosa, commonly called purple giant hyssop, is an upright, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial that typically grows to 2-3’ tall. Leaves and flowers are aromatic. Fragrant, tubular, 2-lipped, violet-pink flowers bloom summer-to-fall in whorls on erect, terminal, salvia-like spikes atop strong, rigid stems that attract beneficial wildlife. The cultivar ‘Golden Jubilee’ is particularly prized because its yellow foliage provides a striking contrast to the lavender-blue flower spikes.
Tolerances
- Deer
Potential Problems
Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’ is generally free from serious insect or disease issues. The most significant threat arises from overly damp soil conditions, which can lead to crown or root rot, often resulting in winter loss. Prevent this by strictly ensuring excellent drainage at planting time. Gardeners should remain vigilant for signs of common fungal issues like rust, powdery mildew, or leaf spots, which can be managed through good air circulation and prompt removal of affected foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Purple giant hyssop suitable for?
Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 8, though slightly protected sites are recommended in Zone 5.
How large does Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’ grow?
This perennial typically reaches a mature height between 2 and 3 feet, with a spread ranging from 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
When does Purple giant hyssop bloom?
The fragrant, violet-pink flowers of the Purple giant hyssop appear reliably throughout the summer, blooming from July all the way through September.
What sun exposure does Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’ need?
For the best performance, plant Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’ in an area receiving full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade.
Conclusion
The combination of aromatic foliage, drought tolerance once established, and vibrant, long-lasting blooms confirms Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’ as a valuable asset for the modern garden. This low-maintenance perennial offers reliable performance and excellent pollinator support. Before planting, check your local USDA hardiness zone compatibility and prepare a site with sharp drainage to ensure years of enjoyment from your Purple giant hyssop.
Wildlife Benefits
The flower spikes of Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’ are highly attractive to pollinators. The tubular shape of the violet-pink flowers is perfectly suited for hummingbirds, which sip the nectar readily throughout late summer. Bees and butterflies are also frequent visitors, relying on these blooms when many other summer flowers have faded. Planting Purple giant hyssop ensures a continuous, colorful food source for beneficial insects during the peak season.
Companion Planting
Because Agastache rugosa ‘Golden Jubilee’ requires excellent drainage and prefers full sun, choosing companions with similar cultural needs optimizes success. Pair the golden foliage with plants that appreciate sun, such as coneflowers (Echinacea), ornamental grasses, or catmint (Nepeta). Avoid placing it near moisture-loving groundcovers or plants that require rich, heavy soil, as this placement increases the risk of rot for your Purple giant hyssop.
