Agastache Kudos Red

Agastache 'Kudos Red' is a superb compact hybrid. From summer to autumn, it bears a profusion of bright red flowers that are particularly luminous. Its aromatic foliage emits a strong menthol scent that perfumes the garden. It has excellent cold resistance. It is ideal for container planting. Grow this perennial in the sun in well-drained soil that is not too dry in summer. Its lifespan is not very long, but it multiplies easily.

Agastache 'Kudos Red' belongs to the Lamiaceae family, rich in plants producing essential oils. These substances protect them both from herbivorous animals and from the sun's rays. This variety is no exception to the rule: its heart-shaped deciduous foliage emits a powerful menthol and aniseed scent that delights the nostrils and repels pests!

Agastache 'Kudos Red' comes from the Kudos hybrid series. Plants from this series are characterised by a dense habit and better resistance to cold and winter humidity than most other agastaches. From June to October, it produces tight spikes in "brushes" of a beautiful bright red, high above the stems. The plant forms a compact clump, which can reach 50cm (20in) in height and about 45cm (18in) in diameter. This variety has a hardiness of around -15°C (5°F) in well-drained soil and a sheltered location. The nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees and other pollinators, especially in autumn when flowers become scarce in the garden. Cut some stems to fragrance your bouquets. The flowers are edible in salads.

Agastache 'Kudos Red' appreciates full sun or light shade (its stems will droop in too shady conditions), and any good non-chalky garden soil. The stems will tend to droop in soil that is too rich in nitrogen; they may require staking. You can pinch it to improve branching. While its ancestors provide it with some resistance to hot climates and drought episodes, it will still be more beautiful and fuller 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. Choose a warm and protected location, sheltered from cold winds and heavy frosts. These short-lived perennials can die after 3 to 5 years. Regularly divide the clump to rejuvenate it. Ensure regular watering in pots, and it will generously reward you until autumn.

In flower beds or moist rockeries, it forms a beautiful combination with Erigeron karvinskianus, the small Sedum 'Angelina' or a beautiful sage with intense blue spikes.