High Country Gardens
Agastache rupestris
Best low-maintenance perennial for water-wise gardeners attracting hummingbirds.
Agastache rupestris, or Licorice Mint Hyssop, is a resilient western native perennial celebrated for its captivating smoky orange flowers and a fragrance that evokes licorice and mint. This plant is a magnet for hummingbirds, offering abundant nectar from mid-summer through early fall. It thrives in sunny, dry conditions and well-drained soil, making it ideal for water-wise landscapes. Its drought tolerance and resistance to deer and rabbits add to its appeal for low-maintenance gardens. This durable perennial is also suitable for container planting, bringing its unique charm and pollinator-friendly blooms to any setting.
$16.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-39%
Below average
Life Cycle
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Wildlife gardeners seeking to attract hummingbirds and pollinators
- Water-conscious gardeners in arid or low-maintenance climates
- Sensory gardeners looking for fragrant, aromatic foliage
Who should skip it
- Gardeners managing heavy, moisture-retaining clay soils
- Landscape planners needing permanent, long-term perennial structures
- Low-effort gardeners wanting plants that maintain shape without maintenance
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in xeric conditions with minimal supplemental irrigation required.
Pollinator Appeal
A premier choice for attracting hummingbirds throughout the growing season.
Maintenance Ease
Resilient growth habit requires very little intervention once established.
Pest Resistance
Naturally deters deer and rabbits, protecting your garden investment.
Sensory Impact
Distinctive licorice and mint fragrance provides a unique olfactory experience.
Versatility
Adapts well to both traditional garden beds and container arrangements.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Low
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Bloom Season
Summer, Fall
Fragrance Level
Strong Fragrance
Pet Safe
No
Growth Habit
Mounding
Mature Height
36-42 inches
Features
- Fragrant licorice and mint scent
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Drought tolerant for water-wise gardens
- Smoky orange flowers with lavender calyxes
- Resistant to deer and rabbits
- Long bloom time from mid-summer to fall
- Suitable for container planting
- Low maintenance requirements
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional reliability and performance of this Agastache. It thrives even in challenging, dry garden spots, establishing quickly and requiring minimal care. Gardeners frequently note the high quality of the plants received from High Country Gardens, which arrive healthy and ready to grow. The long lasting, vibrant blooms and strong attraction to hummingbirds make this a highly valued addition, offering excellent return on investment for xeriscaping efforts.
Know before you buy
This plant requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. It performs best in low-fertility, gritty, or sandy soils, so avoid amending the planting area with heavy compost or rich fertilizers.
Agastache rupestris requires full sun, which means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Providing adequate light is essential for maintaining its mounding shape and ensuring a prolific bloom.
Yes, the strong, aromatic oils in the foliage make this plant unappealing to deer and rabbits. It is an excellent choice for gardens where wildlife browsing is a common concern.
Absolutely. Because it is drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained conditions, it works well in pots. Ensure you use a high-quality, fast-draining potting mix and a container with drainage holes.
As a xeric plant, it has very low water needs. Once established, it only requires occasional deep watering during extended dry spells; overwatering can actually be detrimental to its health.
No, this plant is not considered pet-safe. If you have curious pets that tend to chew on garden plants, you may want to place it in an area of the garden that is inaccessible to them.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$17