Agastache pallidiflora (Heller) Rydb. ssp. neomexicana (Briq.) Lint & Epling var. havardii (Gray) R.W. Sanders: An Overview
Agastache pallidiflora (Heller) Rydb. ssp. neomexicana (Briq.) Lint & Epling var. havardii (Gray) R.W. Sanders, also known as Havard's giant hyssop, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, specifically found in the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rocky Mountains.
General Appearance
The Havard's giant hyssop plant has a distinctive appearance, growing to a height of about 2-4 feet. The stem of the plant is green, square-shaped, and hairy with long, narrow leaves that are also hairy. It produces showy spikes of pale purple flowers that are a favorite among bees and hummingbirds.
Common Names and Uses
Havard's giant hyssop is known by several common names like lavender-hyssop, pale-flowered giant hyssop, and pale agastache. Traditionally, it has been used in Native American medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach pain, colds, and coughs. Havard's giant hyssop is also popular among gardeners, appreciated for its fragrant foliage and flowers, which add color and texture to any garden.
Additionally, the plant is used as an ingredient in various food and drink preparations, imparting a unique flavor and aroma. The leaves can be used in salads, teas, and syrups while the flowers can be used to garnish cocktails.
In conclusion, the Havard's giant hyssop plant is a stunning and versatile herbaceous perennial that can be a great addition to any garden. With its fragrant leaves, colorful flowers, and numerous medicinal and culinary uses, it is a versatile and valuable addition to any plant collection.
Growth Conditions for Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii
Light: Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii requires full sunlight to partial shade to thrive. It prefers a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with hot summers, it can benefit from some afternoon shade.
Temperature: This plant can withstand a range of temperatures, including hot summers and cold winters. The ideal temperature range is between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C), but it can tolerate higher temperatures up to 90°F (32°C) if provided with adequate moisture. It can also tolerate cold winter temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C).
Soil: Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii prefers well-draining soils, but it can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It grows best in soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5. It can also tolerate some salt in the soil but does not do well in highly saline soils.
Water: This plant requires moderate to low moisture levels. It can tolerate drought conditions but benefits from regular watering during hot and dry periods. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilizer: Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii does not require much fertilizer. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering. Fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once per year can provide sufficient nutrients for healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation Methods for Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii
Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The best time to plant this plant is in the spring. It can be propagated by seed or division in the spring or fall.
Watering Needs for Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii
This plant needs regular watering during the first growing season to establish a deep and extensive root system. After that, it is drought tolerant and does not need frequent watering. However, it prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently. It is best to water it once a week or when the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization for Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii
This plant does not require a lot of fertilization. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in the spring is sufficient. If the soil is lacking in nutrients, a balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growing season, but avoid overfertilizing as this can cause the plant to produce fewer flowers.
Pruning Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii
This plant benefits from pruning to encourage branching and produce more flowers. Deadheading old flowers is also recommended to stimulate new growth and more blooms. Cut back the entire plant by one-third in the fall to promote healthy and vigorous growth in the following spring.
Propagation of Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii
Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds can be sown directly into the soil in late fall or early spring. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 60-75°F. It is important to keep the soil moist during the germination process. Seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/16 inch and spaced 12-18 inches apart. Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once they have reached a height of approximately 2 inches.
Asexual Propagation
Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer when new growth is present. Cuttings should be taken from non-flowering stems and should be approximately 4-6 inches in length. The lower leaves should be removed to prevent excess transpiration. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a soilless mixture. It is important to maintain a high level of humidity around the cuttings to prevent moisture loss. Cuttings should take root within 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management
Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii is generally resistant to most diseases. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and verticillium wilt. To manage these diseases, it is important to provide adequate air circulation around the plant to reduce humidity. Additionally, you can apply fungicides containing active ingredients like copper or sulfur to help manage these fungal diseases.
Pest Management
Agastache pallidiflora ssp. neomexicana var. havardii can be attacked by pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can suck the sap from the plant, causing it to yellow and wilt.
To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. These substances coat the pests and suffocate them. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plant with a jet of water, which will knock them off the plant. Whiteflies, on the other hand, can be managed using yellow sticky traps that attract and capture the adults. Alternatively, you can apply insecticides containing active ingredients like pyrethrins to manage these pests.
It is important to note that pesticides should be used as a last resort due to their potential harmful effects on beneficial insects and the environment. Before applying any pesticide, it is important to identify the pest and select the appropriate pesticide based on the label instructions.
