Agastache 'Guava Lava'

Agastache 'Guava Lava': Tropical Heat for the Summer Border

Agastache 'Guava Lava' brings sizzling colour and compact vigour to the sunny garden, with vibrant coral-red to guava-pink flower spikes rising above fragrant, dark green foliage. From midsummer into early fall, its glowing blooms attract a host of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, while its upright habit and drought tolerance make it a practical and eye-catching addition to any dry, sunny border. With strong vertical lines and tropical flair, 'Guava Lava' offers bold summer impact with minimal maintenance.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–75 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a compact, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Coral-red to guava-pink blooms above dark calyxes
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to early fall
• Foliage: Dark green, licorice-scented leaves; aromatic and deer resistant
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun (minimum 6 hours daily)
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy, gravelly, or average soils

Uses and Benefits: 'Guava Lava' is perfect for injecting high-energy colour into dry, sunny plantings. Its compact habit fits neatly into mid-border designs, containers, or pollinator gardens, while the licorice-scented foliage adds another sensory layer. Drought and deer resistant once established, it’s ideal for low-maintenance landscapes with high visual reward. Whether featured in cottage, prairie, or contemporary borders, it delivers bold colour and dependable blooms well into fall.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Guava Lava' with Echinacea 'Magnus'—the rich raspberry-pink daisies deepen the warm palette and support pollinators alongside the Agastache. Add Achillea 'Sassy Summer Taffy' for peachy-pink tones and shared drought tolerance. Finish with Panicum virgatum 'Northwind', whose tall, upright blades add architectural structure and movement, contrasting beautifully with the fiery hues of 'Guava Lava'.

Care Instructions: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, 'Guava Lava' thrives in dry conditions with little care. Deadhead to encourage prolonged flowering. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Avoid overly rich soil or excessive fertilization, which can reduce flowering and cause legginess.

History: A modern hybrid bred for brilliant colour and improved form, Agastache 'Guava Lava' combines the resilience of North American native species with a more vivid, tropical-inspired palette. Selected for its compact size, floriferous nature, and ease of care, it reflects a new generation of agastaches bred for today’s drought-conscious and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Agastache 'Guava Lava' is a sun-loving showstopper that brings electric colour and pollinator activity to the garden with effortless charm. Its compact stature, bold blooms, and resilience make it a standout performer for borders, dry gardens, and anywhere vibrant summer impact is desired.