Agastache 'KUDOS™ MANDARIN' hyssop, hummingbird mint
size/type
low perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,3-0,5m
usual width
0,3-0,5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-September
location
full sun
soil type
any (acidic to alkaline)
soil moisture requirements
dry and sharply drained (xeriscape)
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
There are a number of hyssop species found in mostly temperate climate and only a few of them can survive winters of zones 5 or 6. However, it is so beautiful in full bloom that despite its rather short life many breeders work on achieving new hybrids that can cope with zone 6 winters provided suitable conditions. Janet N. Egger is one of them. She is an acclaimed breeder of perennials at the Oregon-based Terra Nova Nurseries, and even though she is renowned as a heuchera specialist, this time she targeted at breeding hardy hyssops. She used only the reliable clones and varieties to produce new hybrids in 7 colours in total. They are included in the KUDOS™ series and are characterized by excellent hardiness down to at least -24 ° C while some might survive down to -29 ° C. Great job, Ms. Egger!
Description of the plant:
Kudos ™ Mandarin is a great success among perennial agastache, as it is one of the few reliably hardy orange-flowering varieties. It is an early one starting to bloom as early as in late June, producing loose, terminal spikes with narrowly tubular, rich mandarin orange with a darker calyx atop about 40 cm tall stems. Blooming lasts a long time and continues until the last warm and sunny days of early autumn.The leaves are medium green, matte, shallowly serrated at margins, oval up along the stems and twice as large and triangular at the bottom. They contain an essence which is readily activated by just a soft touch and the foliage ejects a dose of anise and lemon perfume. They can be used to make tea of, for scenting fresh salads, and pastries when making cooked desserts – the essence brings not only perfume but also anise taste. Kudos ™ Mandarin forms dense, compact clumps with upright branches. Granted patents: PP25381 (USA – 2015) and EU 41118 (Europe – 2015).
Kudos ™ Mandarin agastache needs full sun only and looks stunning in mass plantings. And if I may suggest it is a showcase when you combine three different agastache colours in one bed. The plants demand free-draining soil because in wet ground their roots will most certainly die during winter.
If unsure about your soil type but still you want to grow agastache why don’t you make a raised bed and fill it with quality soil mixed with anything that provides sharp drainage. Such a raised bed will come in handy for other plants demanding the same conditions so in the end you will create a whole new microcosmos for plants that were formerly banned from your garden. In return the plants will make your heart melt every time you gaze at them, watching them thrive and provide plenty of colour as well as bee-food in late summer. Terra Nova® claims Kudos ™ Mandarin hardy to incredible -29 °C provided excellent soil conditions (USDA zone 5). In areas with high precipitation we recommend covering the clump with fir branches in winter.
Last update: 28-06-2022
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