Agastache Kudos Mandarin

The 'Kudos Mandarin' Agastache is a superb compact hybrid, producing a profusion of copper orange flowers from summer to autumn. Its aromatic foliage, with a strong minty fragrance, perfumes the borders. Give it a well-drained soil, not too dry in summer, nor too rich, in full sun. Its lifespan is not very long but it multiplies easily.

The 'Kudos Mandarin' Agastache belongs to the Lamiaceae family, rich in plants producing essential oils. These substances protect them from herbivorous animals and the sun's rays. This variety is no exception: its deciduous, heart-shaped, dark green and highly aromatic foliage releases a powerful minty and aniseed scent that delights the nostrils and repels pests! 

The Agastache 'Kudos Mandarin' is part of the Kudos hybrid series, which are characterised by a dense habit, as well as better resistance to cold and winter humidity than other agastaches. From June to October, it produces tight spikes in "candles" of a beautiful copper orange, well above the stems. The plant forms a compact clump, which can reach 45 to 50 cm (18 to 20in) in height and about 45 cm in diameter. Each flower is also encased in a bronze calyx tinged with purple that enhances their colour. These flowers are also edible in salads. The hardiness of this variety, although not exceptional (-15°C in well-drained soil and sheltered location), is better than in other agastaches. Moreover, being very nectar-rich, it will be a real magnet for bees and other pollinators, even in autumn when the flowers become scarce in the garden.

The 'Mandarin' Agastache appreciates full sun or light shade (its stems droop in too shady situations), and any good garden soil that is not too chalky. In soil that is too rich in nitrogen, the stems will also tend to droop and may require staking. You can pinch it to improve branching. If its ancestors provide it with some resistance to hot climates and drought episodes, it will still be more beautiful and more abundant if the summer is not too arid. However, it dislikes excessive water, so plant it in well-drained soil that prevents moisture from accumulating at its base. The addition of coarse sand and gravel can be useful in heavy soil. Lastly, choose a warm and sheltered location, protected from cold winds and severe frosts. Agastaches are perennials with a rather short lifespan: don't think you've done something wrong if your plant disappears after 3 to 5 years - that's its normal cycle. Remember to divide the clump regularly. In a pot, make sure to water regularly, and it will generously reward you until autumn.

In a rocky bed or not too dry rockery, it will form a beautiful combination with Karvinski's Erigeron, 'Angelina' Sedum, Teucrium flavum, or even 'Wheels of Wonder Orange' Delosperma.