Nettleleaf GIant Hyssop (Agastache urticifolia), also known as Horsemint, is a tall, aromatic perennial that brings soft color and pollinator magic to Utah native landscapes. Rising up to 6 feet tall (although usually staying around 4 feet tall or slightly taller), its slender spikes of pale pink or white flowers bloom above softly toothed, mint-scented foliage throughout summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in droves! Thriving in full sun to part shade and well-drained soils, Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop offers a light, airy presence that complements bold natives while adding a touch of delicacy to native plantings. Use Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop as an addition to meadows, rain gardens, the edge of shade or woodland gardens, or as a lovely backdrop in garden beds or borders. Although in the mint family, it does not aggressively spread by rhizomes, but gently spreads through self-seeding and is easily controlled.
Photo Credits: Matt Lavin and Dcrjsr
Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop
Irrigation Requirement: Low (1/2" every 10-14 days) or Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days) *preferred
Mature Size: 1-5' tall (commonly, although they can get 6' or taller) and 2-3' wide
Spacing: 2-3' apart
Bloom Colors: Pink, White
Bloom Season: June - August
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Deer Resistant: Somewhat
Salt Tolerant: No
Soils: Does well in a wide range of well-drained soils, including sand, loam, and clay.
Plants in the genus Agastache are known host plants for 2 pollinators in the northern Utah area. Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop also produces nectar and pollen, and is very attractive to a wide variety of native pollinators.