Both hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to Mosquito Plant (Agastache cana). Butterflies are primarily attracted to the scent of flowers, while hummingbirds prefer tubular-shaped blossoms of bright reds or purples; mosquito plant offers all these attributes.
Characteristics of Mosquito Plant
Mosquito plant is a versitle and aromatic perennial. The plant has been touted by some for repelling mosquitoes when its foliage is crushed and rubbed on skin or clothing. Other common names for Agastache include "Texas Hummingbird Mint," "Bubblegum Mint," "Giant Hyssop," and "Giant Hummingbird Mint."
Mosquito Plant is native to New Mexico and western Texas, where it grows in mountainous areas at altitudes of 6,000 feet. It is a bushy-type perennial in the mint (Lamiacea) family. It bears spiked, tubular-shaped blossoms that tower above the mint-scented foliage from early summer through late fall.
Mosquito Plant has gained recognition for attracting rufous and broad-tailed hummingbirds, various species of butterflies, bees, and certain sphinx moths. Goldfinches also enjoy eating the seeds of Agastache cana.
Tips for Planting and Growing Mosquito Plant
Some very striking cultivar varieties can be obtained from specialty nurseries. There are warm weather varieties that can be grown in colder zones as half-hardy perennials. Some popular varieties include the following:
Characteristics of Mosquito Plant
Mosquito plant is a versitle and aromatic perennial. The plant has been touted by some for repelling mosquitoes when its foliage is crushed and rubbed on skin or clothing. Other common names for Agastache include "Texas Hummingbird Mint," "Bubblegum Mint," "Giant Hyssop," and "Giant Hummingbird Mint."
Mosquito Plant is native to New Mexico and western Texas, where it grows in mountainous areas at altitudes of 6,000 feet. It is a bushy-type perennial in the mint (Lamiacea) family. It bears spiked, tubular-shaped blossoms that tower above the mint-scented foliage from early summer through late fall.
Mosquito Plant has gained recognition for attracting rufous and broad-tailed hummingbirds, various species of butterflies, bees, and certain sphinx moths. Goldfinches also enjoy eating the seeds of Agastache cana.
Tips for Planting and Growing Mosquito Plant
Some very striking cultivar varieties can be obtained from specialty nurseries. There are warm weather varieties that can be grown in colder zones as half-hardy perennials. Some popular varieties include the following:
- Anise Hyssop (A. foeniculum) - this variety bears violet-blue flowers and grows to about 3 feet tall. Their anise-scented foliage can also be used in making an herbal tea, or as a flavor for baking cookies or cakes. They do best when planted in USDA zones 7 to 10, but can be grown as a half-hardy annual in colder zones.
- Heather Queen (A. cana ) - Heather Queen seeds can be planted in the spring and will have blooms from early summer until late fall. They are also an excellent choice for long-lasting cut bouquets. This variety grows to about 3 feet in height and bears striking 10 to 12 inch pink flower spikes.
- A. mexicana - In Zones 8 to 11, A. mexicana will thrive in most well-drained soils. This variety loves full sun and will grow to about 3 feet tall, spread about 1 foot, and sport crimson flower spikes from late summer until fall. Hummingbirds really go for this variety as they can easily see the bright, nectar-rich blossoms.
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