Arcado Pink Hyssop (Agastache x ‘Arcado Pink’), also known as Arcado Pink Agastache or Hummingbird Mint, is a vibrant perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It typically reaches a mature height of 20 to 24 inches with a spread of 12 to 16 inches. It produces abundant, showy spikes of magenta-pink flowers from early summer through fall, providing continuous color. Its aromatic foliage adds sensory appeal.
Ideal Growing Environment
Establishing Arcado Pink Hyssop successfully begins with selecting the right location and preparing the soil. This plant thrives in full sun exposure, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate a small amount of partial shade. Proper light conditions are important for robust growth and abundant flowering.
Well-draining soil is a fundamental requirement for this plant’s health. Arcado Pink Hyssop prefers average to rich, sandy loam soils that do not retain excessive moisture. It is intolerant of poorly drained conditions, which can lead to issues like root rot. Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter or grit can improve drainage, ensuring the roots do not sit in standing water.
When planting, provide adequate spacing, generally between 12 to 18 inches apart, to ensure good air circulation around the plants. This spacing helps prevent fungal diseases and allows each plant ample room to develop its full size. After planting, consistent moisture is necessary to help the plant establish its root system, so water regularly until new growth is evident.
Cultivation and Maintenance
Once established, Arcado Pink Hyssop is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Mature plants require occasional watering, thriving when the soil dries out between sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
It prefers lean soil and does not require extensive fertilization. Applying a thin layer of compost around the base of the plant in early spring can provide sufficient nutrients.
Pruning maintains shape and encourages continuous blooms. Deadheading spent flower spikes promotes reblooming throughout summer and fall. To encourage a bushier growth habit, pinch back the tips of new growth in early spring, removing about one-third of the plant’s height.
For winter protection, especially in colder regions (USDA Zones 4-6), leave about six inches of stalks standing. Cut them back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges; this protects the crown during dormancy.
Key Benefits
Arcado Pink Hyssop offers several distinct advantages for gardeners. Its primary benefit is its exceptional ability to attract a wide array of pollinators. The nectar-rich, vibrant pink flowers are highly appealing to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and promoting local biodiversity. The continuous bloom period from summer into fall ensures a reliable food source for these beneficial creatures over several months.
Beyond its ecological contributions, Arcado Pink Hyssop provides significant ornamental value. Its upright growth habit and showy flower spikes create a striking visual impact in garden borders, containers, or as mass plantings. The plant’s aromatic foliage also adds a pleasant fragrance to the garden environment.
Furthermore, Arcado Pink Hyssop exhibits notable resilience. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant, requiring minimal supplemental water, which is advantageous in water-wise gardening. The plant is also deer and rabbit resistant, due to its fragrant foliage, making it a good choice for areas where these animals are a concern.
Addressing Common Challenges
While generally robust, Arcado Pink Hyssop can encounter specific health issues. The most common problem is root rot, caused by improper watering and poor soil drainage. Symptoms include wilting foliage, yellowing leaves, and soft, mushy stems. To address this, reduce watering and ensure well-draining soil; in severe cases, replant after removing affected roots.
Arcado Pink Hyssop is largely pest-resistant, but young plants can be susceptible to common garden pests. Slugs may target new growth, leaving slime trails. Aphids and whiteflies can also appear, causing distorted foliage. A strong spray of water can dislodge these pests, or horticultural soap can be used for more persistent infestations.
Spider mites might become an issue in hot, dry conditions, identifiable by fine webbing and stippling on leaves. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding over-fertilization can help mitigate these pest issues.
While generally healthy, powdery mildew or leaf spots might occur in humid conditions. Manage these by improving air flow and avoiding overhead watering.