Meant to Bee® Queen Nectarine

The Meant to Bee® 'Queen Nectarine' Anise Hyssop boasts a remarkable array of attributes that make it a standout choice for gardeners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with beauty and functionality. With its soft peach-colored flowers and mauve calyxes, this Agastache hybrid brings a touch of elegance to any garden. What sets it apart is the fact that the calyxes maintain their rich color long after the blooming season has ended, extending the plant's visual interest well into the fall.

One of its most appealing features is its ability to attract essential pollinators, making it a vital asset for biodiversity in your garden. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are irresistibly drawn to the fragrant flowers of 'Queen Nectarine' Anise Hyssop, creating a lively and vibrant ecosystem right in your backyard. Additionally, this perennial beauty boasts resistance to deer, ensuring that it remains undisturbed and pristine in your garden landscape.

• Border Plant: 'Queen Nectarine' Anise Hyssop serves as an excellent choice for creating attractive borders in your garden. Its vibrant peach-colored flowers and elegant form add a touch of charm and definition to your landscape.
• Container Plant: This perennial's compact size and striking appearance make it perfect for container gardening. Plant it in pots, urns, or containers to adorn your patio, deck, or balcony with its colorful presence.
• Mass Planting: To create a breathtaking and cohesive look in your garden, consider mass planting 'Queen Nectarine' Anise Hyssop. The abundance of peach blooms will make a stunning visual impact.
• Wildlife Garden: This plant's ability to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds makes it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. By incorporating it into your landscape, you can support and enjoy the local wildlife.
• Coastal Exposure: 'Queen Nectarine' Anise Hyssop is well-suited for coastal landscapes. Its tolerance for wind and salt spray makes it a resilient choice for gardens near the coast.
• Erosion Control: Planting this hardy perennial can help prevent soil erosion on slopes or hilly areas in your garden. Its robust root system stabilizes the soil, making it an effective erosion control plant.
• Firescaping/Fire Wise: In regions prone to wildfires, this plant can be part of a firescaping strategy. Its herbaceous nature and moderate size can help create defensible spaces and reduce fire risk.
• Dramatic Foliage for Striking Fall Color: 'Queen Nectarine' Anise Hyssop offers dramatic fall foliage, with leaves turning attractive shades. It adds visual interest and warmth to your garden as autumn approaches.
• Contemporary and Rustic Garden Styles: Whether you're aiming for a contemporary or rustic garden design, this versatile plant fits well into both styles. Its unique color and form make it a valuable addition to various garden themes.
  

Planting:

1. Location: Choose a sunny spot in your garden for 'Queen Nectarine' Anise Hyssop, as it thrives in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
2. Soil Preparation: Ensure well-drained soil, and if your soil is heavy or poorly drained, consider amending it with gravel to improve drainage.
3. Planting Depth: Dig a hole that is roughly the same depth as the plant's root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant in the hole, making sure it sits at the same level it was in its nursery container.
4. Spacing: Space multiple 'Queen Nectarine' Anise Hyssop plants 32-36 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
5. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and provide moisture to the newly established plant.

Care:

1. Watering: Once established, 'Queen Nectarine' Anise Hyssop is relatively low-maintenance. Water occasionally, particularly during periods of extreme heat or if the plant is in a container. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent overwatering.
2. Pruning: Pruning is generally not necessary for this plant. However, you can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
3. Fertilization: 'Queen Nectarine' Anise Hyssop typically doesn't require heavy fertilization. If needed, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to support healthy growth.
4. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature.
5. Winter Care: In colder climates (zones 5 and 6), you may want to provide a layer of mulch to protect the roots during the winter months. This extra insulation can help the plant survive harsh winter conditions.
6. Pest and Disease Control: 'Queen Nectarine' Anise Hyssop is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, monitor for any signs of trouble, such as aphids or powdery mildew, and address them promptly if they appear.
7. Division: If the plant becomes overcrowded or loses vigor over time, consider dividing it in early spring to rejuvenate it. Lift the plant, divide the root ball, and replant the sections.

By following these planting and care guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty of 'Queen Nectarine' Anise Hyssop in your garden while keeping it healthy and thriving throughout the growing season.