Perennial Favorites

( From upper L-R across: 'Black Adder', 'Giant White Hyssop', 'Anise Hyssop Sunset', 'Tutti-Frutti (center) and 'Raspberry Summer')

The Agastache genus falls under the Lamiaceae family.  They are  a species of perennial herbs that are native to North America except for Agastache rugosa or Korean Mint which is native to Asia.  The giant ones are the hardiest (USDA zone 1) of the lot.  They can be propogated by cuttings or seeds.  I’ve found them to be a perennial favorite of the hummingbirds this summer.  The leaves on most cultivars have a nice minty or anise scent.   I enjoy rubbing my hands along the stems to release the aroma.  They’ve become a new obsession with me and here’s my collection.

(From upper L-R across & down: 'Pineapple Sage', 'Mystic Spires', 'May Night', 'East Friesland', 'Wild Thing', 'Purple Knockout', 'Black & Blue' and 'Victoria')

Salvia is another one of my perennial favorites from the ornamental to the culinary sage.  This is my largest collection of one genus in the garden.  Some of mine aren’t currently looking their best now since they are past their peak bloom time.    They are part of the same family as the Agastache (Lamiaceae) which includes 900 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals.  The name comes from the latin word “salvere” which means “to save”.  This is due to the its’ long believed healing properties.  Some plants like the ‘Purple Knockout’ is better appreciated for it’s burgundy foliage since the flowers are almost an afterthought.  What are some of your favorite species?