Agastache 'Blue Fortune' – Planting & Care Guide

About Agastache 'Blue Fortune'

Agastache 'Blue Fortune', commonly known as Giant Hyssop or Hummingbird Mint, is a beautiful, long-flowering herbaceous perennial admired for its upright spikes of soft lavender-blue flowers and aromatic green foliage. Blooming from mid-summer through to early autumn, it adds height, colour and movement to borders while attracting an abundance of bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.

Growing to approximately 80–100cm tall with a spread of 45–60cm, 'Blue Fortune' forms attractive clumps of fragrant foliage topped with long-lasting flower spikes. The leaves release a pleasant aniseed or liquorice scent when crushed, making this plant as enjoyable for its fragrance as it is for its flowers. Its excellent drought tolerance once established makes it ideal for low-maintenance and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun for the best flowering display.
• Choose a warm, sheltered position with good air circulation.
• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, sandy and chalky soils.
• Improve heavy clay soils by adding compost and horticultural grit before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently loosen the roots.
• Position the crown level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stems.
• Space plants approximately 45–60cm apart.

Care & Maintenance

Agastache 'Blue Fortune' is an easy-care perennial that thrives with very little attention.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, water only during prolonged dry spells.
• Avoid waterlogging, particularly during winter.
• Feed lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Avoid excessive feeding, which can reduce flowering.
• Refresh mulch annually to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Remove weeds regularly from around the base.
• Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continued flowering.
• Ensure good drainage throughout the year for the healthiest growth.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is required to keep the plant looking its best.

• Remove faded flower spikes throughout the flowering season.
• Leave seed heads in place over winter for added garden interest and wildlife.
• Cut stems back to approximately 10–15cm above ground level in early spring.
• Remove any dead or damaged growth before new shoots appear.
• Divide mature clumps every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigour.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Agastache 'Blue Fortune'
• Common Name: Giant Hyssop
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Height: 80–100cm
• Spread: 45–60cm
• Flower Colour: Lavender-blue
• Flowering Period: July to September
• Foliage: Aromatic green leaves
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout Ireland and the UK in well-drained soil

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Agastache 'Blue Fortune' is perfect for adding height, fragrance and wildlife value.

• Cottage gardens
• Mixed perennial borders
• Pollinator-friendly gardens
• Wildlife gardens
• Prairie-style planting
• Gravel gardens
• Contemporary gardens
• Raised beds
• Patio containers
• Cut flower gardens

It combines beautifully with Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Verbena bonariensis, Nepeta, Achillea, Lavender and ornamental grasses.

Seasonal Interest

• Fresh aromatic foliage emerges in spring.
• Upright flower spikes develop during early summer.
• Lavender-blue flowers provide colour from mid-summer into autumn.
• Flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
• Attractive seed heads provide autumn and winter interest if left in place.
• Plants die back in winter before producing fresh new growth in spring.

Common Problems

Agastache 'Blue Fortune' is generally healthy and easy to grow.

• Poor drainage can lead to root rot, especially during winter.
• Plants may become leggy if grown in too much shade.
• Slugs and snails may occasionally feed on young spring shoots.
• Powdery mildew may occur during prolonged dry weather with poor air circulation.
• Avoid overwatering and ensure plants receive plenty of sunlight for the best performance.

With its fragrant foliage, elegant lavender-blue flower spikes and exceptionally long flowering season, Agastache 'Blue Fortune' is a superb perennial for Irish gardens. Easy to grow and loved by pollinators, it provides months of colour, fragrance and movement, making it an outstanding choice for borders, containers, prairie planting and wildlife-friendly gardens

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via DPD Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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