Agastache 'Blue Fortune' is a striking perennial known for its aromatic foliage and tall spiky clusters of lavender blue flowers. This hybrid offers extended blooming periods and strong ecological benefits. It's ideal for attracting pollinators while adding vibrant color to any garden, especially in low-water or native plantings.
Height & Spread: 2.5 - 3 ft x 1.5 - 2 ft
Bloom Time: Mid summer (July through September)
Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
Soil Preference: Prefers well drained soils including sandy, loamy, or gravelly types; dislikes poorly drained or soggy conditions
Watering Needs: Moderate; needs regular watering during establishment, then becomes drought-tolerant
Deer Resistance: Highly deer and rabbit resistant due to its strongly aromatic foliage
NATIVE STATUS
Hybrid cultivar developed from a cross between Agastache foeniculum (a North American native) and Agastache rugosa (native to East Asia). While not a native species itself, it inherits strong ecological benefits from its native parent and is widely used in native inspired and pollinator-friendly gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Butterflies such as Monarchs, Swallowtails, and Painted Ladies are frequent visitors, attracted by the rich nectar and tall flower spikes. ‘Blue Fortune’ provides an important late season nectar source, supporting butterflies during migration and late summer reproduction.
Bees
- Highly favored by native bees like bumblebees, mason bees, and sweat bees, as well as honeybees. The extended bloom time and dense flower clusters make it a valuable forage plant when other blooms may be scarce.
Hummingbirds
- Tubular nectar filled flowers are well suited for hummingbirds, who use it as a fueling stop during summer foraging and fall migration. The upright spikes also give easy access for hovering birds.
Beneficial Insects
- Draws hoverflies, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which feed on nectar and help control aphids, caterpillars, and other pests making it a useful plant in ecological pest management strategies.
SPACING & LANDSCAPE USE
Spacing Recommendations
- Plant 18 - 24 inches apart to allow for mature spread and airflow. This spacing promotes strong growth, helps reduce disease pressure, and ensures room for pollinator access to flower spikes.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for pollinator gardens, native inspired borders, herbaceous perennial beds, and low water landscapes. It excels in sensory gardens and meadow style plantings, and also performs well in raised beds or large containers where drainage is excellent.
COMPANION PLANTS
- Monarda bradburiana (Eastern Beebalm) - Spring to early summer blooms provide early pollinator forage
- Rudbeckia triloba (Brown-eyed Susan) - Adds long blooming, sunny contrast and late season nectar
- Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master) - Architectural texture and supports native wasps and bees
- Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Aromatic Aster) - Late blooming native with high pollinator value
- Silphium integrifolium (Rosinweed) - Tall and bold, ideal for meadow plantings with vertical contrast
- Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) - Echoes the upright flower form and supports Monarch butterflies
- Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama Grass) - Adds movement and structure while supporting grassland wildlife