Agastache 'Guava Lava'

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

Agastache 'Guava Lava' is a bold and exciting selection that sets the summer garden ablaze with vibrant guava-pink to fiery coral-red flower spikes. Rising above fragrant, dark green foliage, these blooms glow in the sunlight and attract a steady stream of pollinators from midsummer into fall. Compact yet upright, 'Guava Lava' combines colourful impact with drought tolerance, deer resistance, and a long blooming season. Whether you're designing a pollinator haven or adding a splash of exotic colour to a dry border, this Agastache brings sizzle and strength to the sunny garden.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Reaches 60–75 cm in height, offering mid-border impact without overwhelming nearby plants.
• Spread: Spreads approximately 45–60 cm, forming a compact, upright clump with strong vertical bloom spikes.
• Flower Colour: Fiery coral-red to guava-pink blooms rise in dense spikes from dark calyxes, creating a glowing effect.
• Flowering Period: Blooms from midsummer through early fall with excellent repeat flowering when deadheaded.
• Foliage: Aromatic, dark green foliage with a pleasant anise scent; resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun; needs at least 6 hours of direct light for best flowering and compact form.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil; performs well in sandy, gravelly, or average garden soil. Avoid wet, heavy soils.

Uses and Benefits: Agastache 'Guava Lava' is ideal for bringing a tropical vibe and long-lasting colour to sunny borders, pollinator gardens, and dry landscapes. Its blooms are irresistible to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, while its compact size makes it perfect for smaller spaces or front-of-border placements. Drought tolerant and low maintenance once established, this selection adds vivid energy to every corner of the garden.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Guava Lava' with Echinacea 'Magnus'—its bold, raspberry-purple blooms complement the warm tones of the Agastache while matching its pollinator appeal and sun-loving nature. Add Achillea 'Sassy Summer Taffy' for a soft peachy-pink contrast that extends the warm palette and echoes the upright habit. To complete the design, include Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'—its strong, vertical blades add structure and movement while highlighting the fiery blooms of 'Guava Lava' with cool, contrasting foliage. This combination creates a dynamic, pollinator-friendly planting perfect for hot, dry, full-sun sites.

Care Instructions: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, this plant is drought tolerant and low maintenance. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Avoid excessive fertilization or overly rich soils, which can lead to leggy growth.

History: Agastache 'Guava Lava' is a newer cultivar bred for bold colour, compact habit, and long bloom performance. As a hybrid of Agastache species native to North America, it carries the same resilience and pollinator value while offering a more tropical-inspired palette. Designed with modern gardens in mind, it brings intense colour and ease of care to sunny borders across a wide range of climates.

Final Thoughts: Agastache 'Guava Lava' is a vibrant, pollinator-packed powerhouse that brings tropical heat to the perennial garden. With its vivid blooms, compact form, and carefree nature, it’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking long-lasting summer colour and reliable performance. Whether you’re creating a pollinator paradise or designing with bold colour in mind, 'Guava Lava' will light up your garden from summer through fall.