Agastache cana aka Mosquito Plant

Agastache cana is a perennial in the mint family. Common names include hummingbird mint, hyssop, and double bubblemint. It comes from southern New Mexico and western Texas. There, it grows on dry slopes in the mountains. Its native sites reach about 6,000 feet [1,829 metres] above sea level. The plant has soft seasonal growth above a woody base. Gardeners grow it for its scented leaves and pink flowers.

Plants reach 2–3 feet [0.61–0.91 metres] tall in gardens. Reported spread ranges from 1.5–2 feet [0.46–0.61 metres]. Upright stems carry flower spikes above the leaves. The leaves are oval, with tips that end in points. They reach about 0.125 feet [0.038 metres] long. Their width reaches about 0.042 feet [0.013 metres]. The leaves give off a scent. Their strong flavour also makes them useful as a seasoning.

The flowers range from rose pink to raspberry pink. Their tubes grow in rings along the upright spikes. Each spike may reach 1 foot [0.30 metres] long. The flowers have a sweet scent, compared with chewing gum. This scent accounts for the name double bubblemint. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from June to July. Its account also describes bloom beginning in late spring. The flowers draw butterflies and provide a showy garden display.

Grow this plant in full sun for best results. It also accepts some light shade in the garden. Soil should drain well, with dry to medium moisture. Average garden soil suits it, and poor soil is tolerated. It withstands drought, summer heat, and humid summer weather. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. It describes the plant as easy to grow and low-maintenance. Rock gardens, borders, herb beds, and pots suit it.

The plant also fits well into gardens made for butterflies. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no serious pest or disease problems. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy. That source lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. It records the leaves as edible flavouring, rather than a staple food. Growers can raise plants from seed sown in spring. Spring division and basal cuttings offer other ways to propagate it.