Agastache 'Guava Lava'

Agastache hybrid 'Guava Lava': A Tropical Infusion in the Perennial Garden

Agastache hybrid 'Guava Lava', a vibrant addition to the aromatic Agastache family, ignites the garden with its fiery hues and tropical flair. This perennial, known for its long-lasting, guava-pink flowers and anise-scented foliage, brings a burst of warm color and sensory delight from mid-summer through fall. Ideal for adding a touch of the tropics to perennial borders, cottage gardens, or as an enticing element in pollinator-friendly landscapes, 'Guava Lava' combines striking visual appeal with ease of care and drought tolerance, making it a must-have for gardeners seeking to spice up their outdoor spaces.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Stands tall at a height of 60-75 cm, making it an eye-catching mid-border or backdrop plant.
• Spread: It spreads to a width of 30-40 cm, forming upright, bushy clumps that are dense with color.
• Flower Colour: Features vibrant guava-pink flowers that cluster along the stems, providing a rich contrast against its green foliage.
• Flowering Period: Boasts an extended blooming period from mid-summer to fall, ensuring a long-lasting display of color and interest.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun, where it can bask in the bright light that accentuates its flower color and promotes robust growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil, showcasing its adaptability to a range of soil conditions and its notable drought resistance once established.

Uses and Benefits: 'Guava Lava' is not only prized for its ornamental beauty but also serves as a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers. Its aromatic foliage is resistant to deer and rabbits, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with diverse wildlife. Additionally, its striking blooms are perfect for cut flower arrangements, adding a splash of tropical warmth to indoor spaces.

Companion Plants: Complement 'Guava Lava' with other sun-loving perennials and annuals to create a vibrant and harmonious garden display. Consider pairing it with the silvery foliage of Artemisia or the deep blues of Salvia for a stunning visual contrast. Incorporating ornamental grasses can add texture and movement, while the inclusion of Sedum or Echinacea provides varying heights and extended blooms, creating a layered garden that captivates through multiple seasons.

Care Instructions: Agastache hybrid 'Guava Lava' is celebrated for its low-maintenance requirements, thriving with minimal care. It benefits from regular watering during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it exhibits excellent drought tolerance. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage further flowering, extending its vibrant display. An application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can promote lush foliage and abundant blooms.

History: Agastache, commonly known as Hummingbird Mint or Hyssop, includes a wide variety of species and hybrids known for their aromatic foliage and attractive flowers. 'Guava Lava' is a hybrid specifically bred for its unique flower color, long blooming period, and adaptability, making it a standout selection for both ornamental and ecological gardening.

Final Thoughts: Agastache hybrid 'Guava Lava' infuses the garden with a tropical warmth and vibrant color, offering a combination of aesthetic appeal, ecological benefits, and ease of care. Its guava-pink blooms not only create a visual spectacle but also support a lively community of pollinators, enriching the garden's biodiversity. Whether showcased in mass plantings, mixed borders, or as a colorful addition to a pollinator garden, 'Guava Lava' ensures the garden is ablaze with color and life from summer through fall, making every day feel like a sunny, tropical getaway.