Giant hyssop (Agastache 'TNAGAPBY' POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW)
Discover Agastache 'TNAGAPBY' POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW, a low-maintenance Giant hyssop boasting vibrant yellow blooms from summer to fall.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Agastache ‘TNAGAPBY’ POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW, commonly known as Giant hyssop, is a superb, compact hybrid beloved for its dependable summer color and minimal upkeep requirements. This specific cultivar offers striking yellow flower spikes that attract significant pollinator activity throughout the season. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant provides long-lasting architectural interest in sunny garden beds.
This selection of Giant hyssop is valued for its good cold tolerance and wonderfully dense, well-branched growth habit, reaching a modest height of up to one foot tall. The fine-textured, aromatic foliage complements the upright, 5-inch long terminal flower spikes, making Agastache ‘TNAGAPBY’ POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW a focal point without demanding excessive care.
Gardeners appreciate the season-long performance and wildlife appeal of this variety. Successful cultivation relies heavily on ensuring excellent drainage, which is key to establishing a long-lived clump of fragrant yellow blooms.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1 ft
- Spread: 1-1.25 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Agastache ‘TNAGAPBY’ POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW during spring or fall in locations that receive full sun exposure for the best flowering performance. Establishing this species requires patience regarding soil conditions; excellent drainage is non-negotiable, as these plants absolutely perform poorly and may succumb to winter rot in heavy, saturated clay soils. Incorporate grit or compost if your native soil leans toward compaction.
Once established, this Giant hyssop variety exhibits good tolerance for heat and relatively dry spells. Water moderately during establishment or extended dry periods, maintaining medium soil moisture levels. Avoid forcing fertilizers, as this typically promotes lush foliage at the expense of blooms and can soften the plant structure.
Routine maintenance for Agastache ‘TNAGAPBY’ POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW is simple low effort. Deadheading the spent yellow flower spikes promotes a fresh flush of blooms extending into early fall. For gardeners in Zone 5, provide extra protection by positioning plants in sheltered spots, such as against a south-facing wall. It is wise to leave the faded stems intact over winter, offering insulation to the base crowns until spring cleanup.
Landscape Uses
The compact scale and extended bloom time make this cultivar versatile for numerous sunny landscape applications. Consider using Agastache ‘TNAGAPBY’ POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW along paved walkways or near patios where its gentle anise/licorice-scented foliage can be easily enjoyed. It excels as an aromatic, long-blooming element within sunny borders, bridging the gap between shorter front-of-the-border plants and taller back-of-the-border specimens.
Its striking yellow color pairs beautifully with blues, purples, or contrasting deep greens, making it an excellent addition to cottage gardens or dedicated butterfly gardens. Because the flowers are showy and sturdy, they serve equally well as a “good cut flower” element in fresh arrangements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
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. Hybrid flowers frequently display dense terminal spikes of tiny, 2-lipped tubular flowers atop stiff square stems clad with fragrant, gray-green to medium green leaves. Flowers are highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, offering essential mid-summer to fall forage. ‘TNAGAPBY’ specifically is a compact selection featuring good cold tolerance and vibrant yellow blooms that last from summer into early fall.
Tolerances
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Potential Problems
The primary concern for growing Agastache ‘TNAGAPBY’ POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW revolves around root health; crown/root rot is a leading threat if soil drainage is inadequate. Always prioritize sharp drainage to mitigate this risk. While generally robust, gardeners should monitor for common fungal issues such as rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spots, especially in humid conditions or if air circulation is poor. On a positive note, deer find the fragrant foliage unappetizing and tend to avoid this plant altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Giant hyssop suitable for?
Agastache ‘TNAGAPBY’ POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW is generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 10, though Zone 5 gardeners should ensure protected winter siting.
How large does Agastache ‘TNAGAPBY’ POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW grow?
This compact hybrid typically reaches a height between 0.75 and 1 foot tall, spreading modestly to about 1 to 1.25 feet wide at maturity.
What sun exposure does Giant hyssop need?
This perennial requires full sun exposure to thrive and produce its characteristic yellow flower spikes reliably throughout the season.
When does Agastache ‘TNAGAPBY’ POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW bloom?
The bloom period generally runs from June right through September, presenting attractive 1-inch long, tubular yellow flowers.
Conclusion
The Agastache ‘TNAGAPBY’ POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW delivers a fantastic combination of low maintenance, fragrant foliage, and bright yellow color that lasts for months. This robust Giant hyssop is an excellent choice for integrating reliable structural perennials into sunny borders. Before planting, confirm your garden site offers the required very well-drained soil conditions to ensure longevity and consistent performance.
Companion Planting
Proper companion selection for Agastache ‘TNAGAPBY’ POQUITO BUTTER YELLOW focuses on plants that share its love for full sun and excellent drainage. Pair it with drought-tolerant companions like Sedum (Stonecrop), ornamental grasses with fine texture, or Echinacea (Coneflower). Avoid planting near moisture-loving perennials, as competition for water can be problematic, or plants that spread aggressively, overshadowing this compact hybrid.
Wildlife Benefits
The genus Agastache is renowned among gardeners focused on attracting beneficial insects, and this yellow-flowering cultivar is no exception. The small, nectar-rich tubular flowers serve as an irresistible beacon for native bees and hummingbirds throughout the summer season. Planting several clumps of this Giant hyssop creates a reliable nectar corridor, significantly boosting the biodiversity in your immediate garden ecosystem.
