Agastache ‘Queen Nectarine’ is a popular ornamental plant known for its striking appearance and appealing fragrance. This hybrid perennial offers a vibrant display of peachy-orange flowers, adding color to outdoor spaces. It also attracts various beneficial insects.
Key Features of Agastache Queen Nectarine
Agastache ‘Queen Nectarine’ reaches a mature height of 30 to 36 inches with a similar spread, forming an upright, mounded habit. Its distinctive soft peach-colored flowers emerge from mauve calyxes, creating a two-toned effect. The plant blooms from mid-summer through late summer, with its colorful calyxes extending visual interest into fall.
The foliage consists of long, narrow, medium green leaves, often concentrated toward the bottom of the stems. When brushed, these leaves release a pleasant, minty, or licorice-like fragrance. This Agastache hybrid is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9.
Planting Agastache Queen Nectarine
Selecting an appropriate planting site is important for Agastache ‘Queen Nectarine’, which thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Well-drained soil is essential for this plant’s health, as it does not tolerate wet conditions. If your garden soil is heavy clay, amending it with gravel or planting in a raised bed can improve drainage.
Plant in spring after the last frost, or during the fall. Dig a hole the same depth as the plant’s root ball but twice as wide. Position the plant so its crown is level with the surrounding soil, then backfill and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Space multiple plants 32 to 36 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and room for growth.
Caring for Agastache Queen Nectarine
Once established, Agastache ‘Queen Nectarine’ exhibits considerable drought tolerance, requiring low to average soil moisture. Newly planted specimens need regular watering to establish their root systems, but mature plants only require occasional watering, especially during periods of extreme heat or if grown in containers. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization is generally not heavily required for this plant, as overly rich or fertile soils can result in lanky growth and reduced bloom production. If a soil amendment is deemed necessary, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can support healthy development.
To encourage continuous flowering, deadhead spent blooms. Pruning can also involve cutting back plants by about half in late winter or early spring to promote vigorous new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch around the plant’s base for winter root protection, ensuring good drainage is maintained.
Benefits of Growing Agastache Queen Nectarine
Agastache ‘Queen Nectarine’ serves as a strong magnet for various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its nectar-rich flowers provide a valuable food source for these beneficial garden visitors. The plant’s fragrant foliage and flowers release a pleasant aroma, adding a sensory dimension to the garden space.
Beyond its appeal to wildlife, this perennial is notably drought-tolerant once established, making it a suitable choice for water-wise landscaping. Its upright, mounded form and long blooming period, with colorful calyxes persisting into fall, contribute significant aesthetic value. Agastache ‘Queen Nectarine’ integrates well into various garden designs, including borders, cottage gardens, and rock gardens.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Agastache ‘Queen Nectarine’ is generally considered resistant to most pests and diseases, but some issues can occasionally arise. Aphids and spider mites might appear, particularly on new growth or during hot, dry spells. Slugs can also be a problem for tender, young shoots in early spring. Regularly inspecting plants can help identify these pests early, allowing for prompt, targeted intervention.
Poor drainage is a common cause of problems, leading to issues like root rot, especially in wet winter conditions. Ensuring the soil is well-draining is the primary preventative measure. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or downy mildew can sometimes affect the foliage. Adequate air circulation, achieved through proper spacing and occasional pruning, helps mitigate these fungal concerns. Leggy growth can occur if the plant receives too much fertilizer or insufficient sunlight; pinching back new shoots in spring can encourage a bushier, more compact habit.