This is a truly extraordinary moment for gardeners, particularly those whose passion extends beyond mere blooms to embrace the vital roles of bees, birds, and butterflies. The horticultural world is currently experiencing an exciting surge in new Agastache varieties, appearing across various plant companies and offering unprecedented opportunities to cultivate vibrant, pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Among the most notable new arrivals are Proven Winners’ ‘Maestro Coral’ and ‘Maestro Gold’, which promise to redefine garden aesthetics and ecological contribution. These innovative cultivars follow closely on the heels of their highly successful ‘Meant to Bee Queen Nectarine’ and ‘Meant to Bee Royal Raspberry’ varieties, further solidifying Agastache’s reputation as a must-have for discerning gardeners.
Despite Agastache varieties having been cultivated for decades, their remarkable qualities remain largely unknown to the general gardening public. It’s worth noting that the pronunciation of “Agastache” is surprisingly flexible, with multiple accepted variations, allowing gardeners to confidently discuss this versatile plant without concern for linguistic precision.
Often referred to as “hummingbird mints” or “anise hyssop,” all Agastache types are celebrated for their magnetic appeal to a diverse array of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and, as their common name suggests, hummingbirds. Beyond their ecological benefits, these plants emit a delightful fragrance when brushed, adding another sensory layer to the garden experience.
‘Maestro Coral’ and ‘Maestro Gold’ are slated for their grand debut next year and will be primarily promoted as annuals. However, for gardeners in USDA Zone 8 and warmer climates, there is an excellent probability of these resilient flowering plants returning in spring, provided they are established in well-drained soil. These compact plants will typically reach a height of 12 to 24 inches with a spread of 10 to 18 inches, thriving best in conditions of abundant sunlight.
The art of garden design reaches new heights when incorporating Agastache, as demonstrated by an awe-inspiring display at the Young’s Plant Farm Annual Garden Tour in Auburn, Alabama. A simple yet powerful combination featuring ‘Maestro Coral’ Agastache with ‘Guatemala Papaya’ echinacea and a Cavendish banana created a truly magical visual spectacle, illustrating the profound impact of thoughtful plant pairings.
This particular display underscored the immense power of mass planting Agastache and echinacea for dramatic effect, moving beyond the typical three-plant trial arrangements to suggest bold, impactful groupings. Furthermore, Agastache exhibits striking compatibility with a variety of other horticulture specimens, including chartreuse-foliaged Carex grass, ‘Serendipity’ ornamental onion, ‘Augusta Lavender’ heliotrope, salvias, ‘Truffula Pink’ gomphrena, and ‘Meteor Shower’ verbena, offering endless possibilities for creative landscaping.
Ultimately, embracing Agastache is a natural choice for any gardener seeking to enhance their outdoor space with both beauty and ecological purpose. Its unparalleled appeal to pollinators, fragrant foliage, and sheer ornamental value make it an indispensable addition to contemporary garden design. It is time to champion this remarkable flowering plant and encourage its widespread adoption for the benefit of both gardens and the natural world.
