Agastache 'Red Fortune' (Agastache mexicana)

Agastache 'Red Fortune'
Agastache mexicana

Evening of June 17, 06.

I just wanted to write and say that your pictures are gorgeous. I've never tried to grow an agastache of any cultivar. Are you still pleased with this cultivar? Does it appear to have any drawbacks? I'm seriously considering purchasing this cultivar. I just wanted to know from an unbiased source whether it truly is a good plant. Catalogs never give the full story. Thanks for posting your pictures.
Kim

Kim,

Thanks for your nice words!

I lost the Red Fortune pictured, but have lots of new Red Fortunes planted this Summer (14 one gallons and 2 one quarts) with additional 5 one gallons bought today! Very beautiful flowers!

I also have lots of different varieties of Agastaches planted this season too (as well as, different ones already planted last year)! I love them! I also, don't have 'enough' different varieites, lol!

Make sure you don't cut back any stems/branches until you see new green growth (around mid Spring or so). And, don't 'be in a haste' to cut them back too early/soon in the Spring, since you might get an unseasonably late Spring freeze. The stems are hollow and if water and/or any freeze gets in the hollow stems, the plant most likely will die.

I don't have any pics yet of my Red Fortune, but you can see them on Lazy S's Farm Nursery (under the A's in the online catalog). I have ordered Agastaches and Salvias from them.

http://www.lazyssfarm.com/index.html

I have ordered from High Country Gardens for Agastaches and Salvias. They have great Agastaches that they have introduced.

http://www.highcountrygardens.com/

Other than not cutting back (too soon) until you see new growth in the Spring, I don't think there is any drawbacks to Agastaches. They are long blooming, fragrant, attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies and I think they are easy to grow.

On the High Country Gardens website, you can get information about Agastaches and they offer a free printed catalog. Agastaches are best planted only in the Spring and Summer in order for their roots 'to get settled in' before Winter. Their Ava and Desert Sunrise Agastaches are really beautiful!

I think that Agastaches are great plants! They and Salvias are my favorites! You can't go wrong with them!

If you have any more questions (and if I didn't answer all your questions), feel free to ask more! ;-)

Marilyn

The below link is wholesale, but has info and a photo of Red Fortune:

http://www.northcreeknurseries.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.plantDetail/plant_id/17/index.htm

Kim,

Meant to mention, that Agastaches need to be well drained ( I strive to give them 'excellent' drainage). I don't plant them in rich soil either. I plant them in 'lean' soil with all-purpose sand (not play sand). I get my all-purpose sand from Lowe's in 50 lb. bags near the inside lumber area of Lowe's. I add pea gravel on top. Agastaches need to be on the dry side during Winter to survive.

Marilyn

Marilyn,

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. You were incredibly thorough which I appreciate. I'm on the mainling list for High Country Gardens, so I can't wait to go through their new catalog.

Thanks again for helping me out. Most people don't take the time to give more than just generic information. I'll put it all to good use!

Kim

Marilynbeth,
I have been admiring your photos of Agastache. WOW! My question is do you save seed from any of them & if so, would you be willing to trade some or SASE? I'm looking for any varieties except blues.
Pam

Hi Pam,

Thanks for the nice words. I'll check my non blue Agastaches this weekend for any seeds.

Marilyn