About Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Kuntze
Taxon Identity
Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Kuntze is a perennial plant that grows 40 to 100 centimetres (16 to 39 inches) tall. It has square stalks that branch in their upper section.
Leaf Morphology
Its oppositely arranged leaves are oval-cordate, measuring 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) long and 3 to 7 cm (1+1⁄4 to 2+3⁄4 in) broad, with coarsely serrated margins. Some leaves have hairs and/or patches of white on the underside, and the leaves are slightly larger than those of anise hyssop.
Flowering Period
In the Northern Hemisphere, purple bilabiate flowers bloom from July to September, growing in verticillasters that are 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 in) long and 2 cm (3⁄4 in) broad.
Calyx Structure
The calyx is 5 to 6 mm (0.20 to 0.24 in) long, with five narrow triangular lobes.
Petal Characteristics
Petals measure 8 to 10 mm (0.31 to 0.39 in) long; lower petals are longer, and inner petals are serrated. Flower color ranges from rose to violet.
Stamen Morphology
The stamens are didynamous, long, and exposed.
Fruit Characteristics
The fruit is a schizocarp, containing obovate elliptical mericarps 1.8 mm (0.071 in) long.
Cultivation Requirements
When cultivated, Agastache rugosa grows well in fertile, moisture-retentive soils and full sunlight. Its aroma becomes weaker when grown in shady conditions.
Propagation Methods
This plant can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods. Seeds collected in autumn can be sown in spring.
Asexual Propagation Steps
For asexual propagation, dig up the plant in autumn or early spring, divide the roots, and plant the divided sections 30 cm (12 in) apart.
