Agastache ‘Little Adder’ is a compact, free flowering perennial that brings continuous color and pollinator activity to the garden all season long. It’s known for its dense, upright spikes of smoky violet blue flowers and highly aromatic foliage.
Height & Spread: 1.5 - 2 ft x 1 - 1.5 ft
Bloom Time: Early summer through fall (June to September)
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Thrives in well drained soils; sandy, loamy, or gravelly
Watering Needs: Moderate water needs, becoming drought-tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: High due to its pungent, minty foliage
NATIVE STATUS
Cultivated hybrid, descended in part from Agastache foeniculum, a North American native species. Although not a pure native plant, its genetics make it functionally beneficial in native inspired gardens and pollinator supportive landscapes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts a variety of butterflies, including Monarchs, Swallowtails, and Painted Ladies. Its continuous bloom cycle provides reliable nectar throughout the summer making it especially valuable for migrating or late season butterflies.
Bees
- This plant is a powerful draw for native bees, honeybees, and bumblebees, which forage daily on its tightly clustered flowers. The tubular blooms are rich in nectar and perfectly suited to bees feeding behavior, especially during high summer when other resources may be scarce.
Hummingbirds
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and other regional species frequent ‘Little Adder’ for its accessible, nectar filled blooms. Its low, dense form makes it ideal for small scale gardens or patios where hummingbirds feed at eye level.
Beneficial Insects
- You’ll also see hoverflies, predatory wasps, and lacewings, all of which use the flowers for nectar while helping to keep aphids and other pests in check. This contributes to overall garden health and biodiversity.
SPACING & LANDSCAPE USE
Spacing Recommendations
-
Plant 12 - 18 inches apart to allow space for air circulation while letting plants form a soft upright clump. This spacing supports healthy growth, prevents mildew, and allows pollinators easy access.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for pollinator gardens, urban native plantings, container gardens, sunny borders, and rock gardens. Its compact form and extended flowering make it an excellent choice for small space landscaping, balconies, and herb gardens where ornamental and ecological function overlap.
COMPANION PLANTS
-
Allium cernuum (Nodding Onion) - Adds texture and supports similar beneficial insects
-
Erigeron pulchellus (Robin’s Plantain) - Early season native groundcover that transitions well to summer
-
Salvia nemorosa (Wood Sage hybrids) - Blooms in tandem and shares similar form and soil needs
-
Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ (Catmint) - A soft textured aromatic partner that draws bees and fills gaps
-
Heuchera villosa (Coral Bells) - Offers contrasting foliage and supports early-season pollinators
-
Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue) - Brings height and early nectar for hummingbirds
-
Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama Grass) - A drought-tolerant grass that adds motion and textural interest